Trans frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) are founded with the aim of collaboratively managing shared natural and cultural resources across international boundaries for improved biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development. In 2007, UNEP-WCMC published a list of 227 Trans frontier Conservation Areas across the globe covering over 4.6 million km². In the SADC region, there are eighteen (18) existing or potential TFCAs in both terrestrial and marine environments covering over 700,000km2 which have been grouped into three categories based on the level of development: Category A (TFCAs with a Treaty or other form of legally binding and mutually recognised agreement), Category B (TFCA with an MoU), and Category C (TFCAs at a conceptual stage).

SADC acknowledges that TFCAs can be effective vehicles for fostering regional cooperation and integration and enhancing socio-economic development in rural areas through the sustainable use of shared natural and cultural resources. According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2000, p. 9), “there is growing consensus that environmental degradation can, and does, trigger, amplify or cause conflict and instability, and a growing concern that environmentally induced conflict might increase”. In addition, “security institutions are now being called upon to protect access to environmental resources in other countries as well as in the global commons” (OECD, 2000, p. 9). This is a serious contentious issue in the region due to sharp differences in ideologies and governance systems among SADC member states.

This panel discussion will highlight the role of TFCAs and consider how the TFCA mandate can be sustained and enhanced. Panellists will identify challenges as well as opportunities and explore solutions that will lead to greater regional cooperation, stronger environmental protection and positive socio-economic outcomes for communities/inhabitants of these areas.