Why is it in the News?

Members states of the world’s largest transnational conservation initiative meet to review progress and strategise the way forward.

About the Kaza TFCA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) Summit:

• The Kaza TFCA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) Summit is a high-level meeting of the heads of state and government representatives from the countries that make up the Kaza TFCA.
• The Kaza TFCA is a conservation area that spans parts of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Some key points about the Kaza TFCA Summit:

• It brings together the political leadership from the five Kaza member countries to discuss issues related to the conservation and sustainable development of the Kaza transfrontier area.
• Topics discussed include wildlife conservation, tourism development, community involvement, and joint management of shared natural resources across international boundaries.
• The Summit aims to strengthen political support, coordination and collaboration among the Kaza partner countries for effective transboundary natural resource management.
• It provides a platform for the member states to review progress made, agree on priorities, and give strategic direction for the Kaza program going forward.
• The Summits are held periodically, with the last one being hosted by Botswana in 2018 in Kasane.

About the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area:

• The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a 520,000-square-kilometre wetland and spans five southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• It is home to a high concentration of wildlife species, including the largest elephant population.
• The KAZA TFCA was formally established on the 18th of August 2011 when the Heads of State of the five governments signed its Treaty in Luanda, Angola, during the SADC Summit for Heads of States.

The KAZA TFCA was established to:

• Conserve the shared natural resources and cultural heritage of this vast area of southern Africa
• Promote and facilitate the development of a complementary and linked network of protected areas that protect wildlife and provide and restore dispersal corridors and migratory routes
• Develop the KAZA TFCA into a world-class tourism destination offering a variety of breathtaking adventures and luxurious relaxation
• Promote the free and easy movement of tourists across borders
• Implement programmes that ensure the sustainable use of natural resources in ways that improve the livelihoods of communities and reduce poverty in the region
• Harmonise conservation legislation and natural resource management of the TFCA