SADC Officials Chart Path for Regional Environmental and Tourism Cooperation

19 May 2025

By Charity Chikara

Senior officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in Harare recently for a strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing regional cooperation in environment, natural resource governance, and sustainable tourism development.

The meeting ran concurrently with the inaugural SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Conference and Summit. It drew participation from high-ranking government officials, environmental experts, and policy advisors from across the region.

Delivering his keynote address, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ambassador Tafirenyika Chifamba, welcomed delegates and stressed the importance of collective action in the face of intensifying environmental and developmental challenges.

“Our gathering today takes place at a time when our sectors face growing challenges and increasing expectations,” said Ambassador Chifamba.

“Pressures on ecosystems, biodiversity loss, climate variability, and the growing demands for socio-economic development require us to respond with integrated, well-coordinated and sustainable strategies.”

The agenda covered a wide array of regional environmental priorities, including a comprehensive review of the wildlife sector’s performance, particularly in conservation programming and sustainable resource utilisation.

“We must ensure that our conservation efforts are not just about protecting species, but also about enhancing livelihoods,” Chifamba said.

“Communities must see the value of conservation through tangible benefits.”

Preparations for the upcoming 20th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) were also high on the agenda. Member states were urged to present a unified position that reflects the region’s socio-economic realities and conservation priorities.

The meeting also addressed forestry sector reforms, underscoring the role of forests in ecosystem services, rural development, and climate resilience.

“Forests are not just trees; they are lifelines for many rural communities and a key component of our climate strategies,” one official remarked during a closed-door session.

Tourism was identified as a critical engine for green growth, cultural preservation, and job creation, especially through the TFCA model which promotes cross-border tourism and biodiversity conservation.

“We are looking at tourism not just as leisure but as a tool for sustainable economic transformation,” said another delegate.

“Transfrontier parks offer us a shared opportunity to unlock economic value while protecting our shared natural heritage.”

Ambassador Chifamba praised the SADC First Ladies’ Forum for its role in promoting environmental awareness and community mobilisation.

“Their continued engagement has brought the environmental agenda closer to the people, particularly in mobilising communities around conservation and climate action,” he said.

Officials also reviewed the implementation of regional environmental instruments and strategies that promote transboundary collaboration and integration across member states.

“This meeting is not an end in itself,” Chifamba said in closing.

“It is a foundation for policy direction and a catalyst for action. The success of our ministers’ engagements will depend on the quality of our input here.”

The outcomes and resolutions of the Senior Officials Meeting will shape deliberations at the forthcoming ministerial segment of the SADC TFCA Summit, where heads of portfolios are expected to adopt decisions that will guide regional policy and investment in conservation, tourism, and environmental management.