HARARE — Day two of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference focused on integrating community-managed conservation efforts and finding sustainable financing models to protect biodiversity across Southern Africa.
A key session examined Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), which include community-run protected areas that help preserve wildlife while supporting local livelihoods. Rob Harris, coordinator of the Ruvuma Transboundary Landscape, shared how a 9,000 sq km corridor linking Tanzania’s Selous-Nyerere and Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve depends heavily on community-managed zones to safeguard elephants and other species. These areas also present opportunities for ecotourism and forest restoration.
The conference stressed the importance of inclusive conservation led by local communities to build resilient ecosystems and foster economic growth in the region.
In the morning, a panel of conservation experts from across SADC tackled sustainable financing for TFCAs. Facilitated by Dr Bartolomeu Soto of the Peace Parks Foundation, the discussion included Ms Candice Stevens from the Sustainable Finance Coalition and representatives from IUCN, Zimparks, and WWF Namibia.
They explored innovative financial strategies, such as public-private partnerships and blended finance, to secure long-term funding for cross-border conservation projects. Panelists urged greater regional cooperation and transparent, inclusive investment to preserve biodiversity and drive socio-economic development.
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