The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has released a groundbreaking paper shedding light on the challenges and opportunities of Trans Frontier Conservation (TFC) within the
Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
The report underscores the critical need for collective action among the countries comprising
the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) to address pressing issues hindering effective conservation efforts.
“According to the findings of this paper this is an essential first step in the process of bringing the idea of transboundary conservation areas TFCAs to fruition. Additionally, the efficacy of TFCAs, may be jeopardized if the local communities are unable to gain appreciable advantages from
the usage of natural resources.
There is an urgent need to adequately address the difficulties involved with tenure systems and
the intricacies of human-wildlife conflict. This is a pressing necessity that must be met,” read the paper.
On tackling the scourge of illegal wildlife trade (IWT), ZELA advocates for enhanced law enforcement capacity and coordination. “Illegal Wildlife Trade is a form of organized crime that requires law enforcement agents and other stakeholders with a vested interest in combating it need to be at par with the methods and tactics used by the wildlife crime syndicates.
Implementation of capacity development programmes for multiple stakeholders is crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in addressing wildlife crime and
illegal wildlife trade (IWT) inside the KAZA,” said ZELA.
According to the paper, education emerges as a powerful tool in shifting societal attitudes towards wildlife conservation. “Education is always pertinent in the bid to influence the human mindset towards certain behavioural changes and attitudes.
Raising consciousness on the value and importance of wildlife amongst communities within the
KAZA will aid in combating wildlife crime and in fostering a sense of stewardship towards wildlife resources.
“Conducting community awareness efforts in the KAZA designed to impart knowledge to
local communities regarding the significance of wildlife, the intrinsic value it has, and the prevailing legislative framework governing wildlife conservation will go miles ahead in enhancing conservation of wildlife resources within the KAZA.”
The paper called for multistakeholder conversations involving policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and judicial officers from all nations within the KAZA TFCA which it deemed imperative for effective conservation.
