Story by Tichaona Kurewa
SADC says transboundary game parks such as the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) are key for regional integration and must transform communities.
Article 21 of the treaty establishing SADC, identified natural resources and environment among the areas for cooperation within the region.
It is against this background that SADC this Monday rallied Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) parties attending day one of the inaugural KAZA Head of State Summit in Livingstone, Zambia to deepen cooperation in order to keep huge benefits from the natural resources.
“TFCAs foster regional integration between two or more states and active cooperation in resolving matters relating to transfrontier conservation in the region, TFCA is one of the most powerful tools for Regional Integration.
“Communities living near the national parks benefit from these resources to see value in them and protect the same natural resources,” said the director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, SADC Secretariat, Mr Domingos Gove.
KAZA outlined the objectives of the week-long summit.
“The summit offer an opportunity for reflection and extent of progress against various KPAs and directives especially with regards to tourist, consider the challenges and opportunities of managing KAZA as an integrated transboundary landscape, consider how the natural and cultural capital of KAZA can be leveraged to support a green economy and exploring innovative approaches to sustainable financing and others,” said KAZA Executive Director, Dr Nyambe Nyambe.
KAZA sustains the livelihoods for more than 150 million people in the region, representing 41.6 percent of the SADC human population, through provision of fruits, honey, tubers, medicines, fuel wood, charcoal, poles and fodder.
