By Takudzwa Tondoya
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Ministry permanent secretary Ambassador Tadeous Tafirenyika Chifamba has called on Southern African nations to urgently strengthen governance and build new partnerships to ensure that conservation efforts benefit both the environment and local communities.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference in Harare, Ambassador Chifamba implored member states to step up efforts to support both ecological and human prosperity.
“We need to strengthen governance, foster multi-sector partnerships, and advance regional integration. Only then can we create a robust framework that supports both nature and people,” said Chifamba
The conference, which marks 25 years of the TFCA programme an initiative aimed at managing shared natural resources across borders brought together regional leaders, conservationists, and development partners.
A major theme of Chifamba’s address was the urgent need for sustainable financing. Without long-term funding, he said the region’s ambitious conservation plans could stall.
“A key priority for us is securing long-term sustainable finance for TFCAs. Without adequate resources, our efforts to conserve and manage these vital ecosystems will fall short,” he said.
He called on countries to look beyond traditional aid and involve the private sector, encouraging investments that go beyond grants and include private capital.
Ambassador Chifamba also said the success of TFCAs depends heavily on the well-being of the communities living in and around protected areas.
“As we celebrate 25 years of the SADC TFCA programme, we must also focus on enhancing local community engagement and beneficiation. Our conservation efforts will serve no purpose if local people are left behind,” he said
He highlighted the need for innovative approaches to human-wildlife conflict which remains a growing problem in rural areas, especially where farming communities share space with large wild animals like elephants, lions, and hippos.
“We must ensure that institutions and communities are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage these shared resources effectively. Improved knowledge management will help us make smarter decisions and share best practices across borders,” he said
He urged countries in the region to work together more closely, especially as many natural resources span multiple borders.
“We are at a point where our collective actions can lead to real transformation. Let’s use this moment to create a future that benefits not just our ecosystems, but also the people who rely on them every day,” he said.
