By Dickson Bandera
The European Union has pledged $36 million to support the sustainable management of six Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Southern Africa, reaffirming its commitment to regional biodiversity, community development, and climate resilience.
Speaking at the SADC TFCA International Conference and Summit in Harare, Mr Frank Porte, EU representative outlined the bloc’s conservation strategy under the flagship NaturAfrica program, which promotes ecological protection, inclusive green economies, and strong governance partnerships.
“It’s an honor for us to address today’s important event to celebrate 25 years of the SADC Transcontinental Conservation Area Program,” said Mr Frank Porte.
“The TFCA still represents one of the most promising and forward-thinking approaches to safeguarding our planet’s rich natural heritage while driving regional integration from low.”
Zimbabwe, which participates in five TFCAs, is hosting the high-level summit under the theme “SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area: 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development.”
The EU emphasized that environmental protection in the region is a shared global duty.
“Biodiversity conservation is of global interest. And the EU is taking a share of that responsibility. And thank you for letting the development partners restate that. This is a shared responsibility and that we are in it with you,” said the official.
The NaturAfrica program is built on three foundational pillars: biodiversity conservation, green economy development, and enhanced governance and partnerships.
“The first pillar is biodiversity conservation… ensuring that these ecosystems continue to provide essential services, such as clean water, carbon sequestration and sustainable livelihoods,” the EU representative said.
“The second pillar is green economy. Conservation and development are not mutually exclusive… The third pillar is governance and partnership.”
From 2021 to 2024, the EU committed €155 million to the program across Africa. The Southern Africa TFCA initiative is among six flagship landscapes receiving focused investment.
Implementation began in April 2024 through a contract signed with GIZ Germany under the Joint Natural African Climate Natural Resource Management initiative. The project is part of a broader effort by Team Europe, which includes the European Commission, EU member states, and institutions, to deepen cooperation with SADC.
“In the second phase, after 2025, the support will be extended to other TFCAs.. We are aiming at supporting your efforts and consolidate your achievements in the long term,” the EU added.
The EU also plans to directly contribute to the SADC TFCA financing facility to boost local-level green economic initiatives. “We intend to launch the activities under this component in the next couple of months.
“As we look to the future, let us continue to strengthen our partnership, invest in sustainable solutions, work with local communities living in and around particular areas, and preserve the incredible biodiversity that SADC offers to the world,” he said.
