JOHANNESBURG – The Southern African Development Community (SADC), working with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife Africa, has unveiled a ten–year regional strategy aimed at saving vultures from extinction.
The SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) was introduced during a workshop that brought together officials from member states, conservation groups and technical experts. The gathering focused on the sharp decline of vulture populations across Southern Africa, where poisoning, electrocution on power lines and shrinking habitats remain the biggest threats.
According to SADC, the strategy seeks to provide a unified framework for regional cooperation. It aligns with global conservation commitments such as the Convention on Migratory Species Multi-species Action Plan and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Delegates reviewed the plan’s four main pillars, which include reducing threats, strengthening conservation data, engaging stakeholders and ensuring clear implementation systems. A Regional Vulture Strategy Steering Group was also set up to drive coordination among countries.
Speaking during the launch, SADC Secretariat Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Domingos Gove, said vultures are central to ecological balance, adding that the strategy should inspire action to protect the environment for future generations.
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