On 18th July 2024, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish the Zimbabwe Mozambique Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (ZIMOZA TFCA).
The signing ceremony took place at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The Heads of State and Government from the three nations were present for the signing, namely H.E. President Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, H.E. President Filipe J. Nyusi of Mozambique, and H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia represented by Hon. Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism.
Also in attendance were cabinet ministers of the partner states, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, collaborating partners, local authorities, civil society organizations, and faith-based organizations.
The ZIMOZA TFCA spans approximately 39,165 square kilometers, covering the Districts of Mbire, Muzarabani, Guruve, Mt Darwin, and part of Makonde in Zimbabwe, the Administrative Posts of Zumbo-Sede, Zâmbue in Zumbu District, Mágoè District, and Nhabando locality in Cahora Bassa District in Mozambique, and the Luangwa and Rufunsa Districts in Zambia.
This initiative aligns with the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement and the SADC Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development.
The agreement emphasizes the collaborative efforts of the partner states to conserve shared wildlife resources and promote sustainable development.
The MoA highlights the following key objectives:
- Promote biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
- Ensure long-term sustainable management and utilization of natural resources
- Realize the economic potential of the TFCA for the benefit of local communities
- Preserve cultural heritage and enhance sustainable development opportunities
- Develop knowledge management tools for information sharing
- Foster cross-border cooperation to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic development
- Harmonize policies and practices related to environmental management, customs, trade, investment, immigration, and tourism
- Integrate managerial, conservation, research, marketing, and other systems into national plans and policies
The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe will serve as the coordinating country for the next two years, with Mozambique and Zambia to follow on a rotational basis.
The agreement also calls for the establishment of a Secretariat and other institutional structures, including funding mechanisms, to facilitate the coordination and joint management of the ZIMOZA TFCA.
President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to his counterparts for their commitment to advancing conservation management in protected and conserved areas. He urged all collaborating partners to support the development of the ZIMOZA TFCA, emphasizing the political will to enhance conservation efforts for present and future generations.
On its X account, the Zambia Tourism Agency explained that “The Republic of Zambia remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing the transfrontier conservation area model of conservation. We firmly believe that this initiative strengthens our relationships with neighboring countries, fostering the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.”
