Zimbabwe is set to host a major regional summit next week aimed at strengthening political commitment and investment in sustainable natural resource management across southern Africa.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference and Summit will take place from 19 to 23 May in Harare. The event will gather heads of state, traditional leaders, conservation experts, and international organisations to reinforce collaboration on biodiversity protection and eco-tourism development.
Organisers say the summit will mark 25 years of cooperation under the TFCA framework, which promotes cross-border conservation initiatives vital for preserving ecosystems, supporting livelihoods, and fostering regional integration.
Key outcomes expected from the summit include a renewed action plan for the SADC TFCA Programme, formal agreements to expand transfrontier conservation areas, and new joint frameworks for management and sustainable financing.
The event is supported by the NaturAfrica / Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management in SADC Programme, funded by the European Union and Germany’s development ministry.