Zimbabwe, Zambia approve Lower Zambezi Manna Pools Trans frontier Conservation Area

Zimbabwe, Zambia approve Lower Zambezi Manna Pools Trans frontier Conservation Area

By Pretty

Zimbabwe and Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the Lower Zambezi Manna Pools Trans frontier Conservation Area (LOZAMAP TFCA),a move that is aimed at promoting transnational cooperation in ecosystem management.

The Government of Zimbabwe approved the MOU which seeks to create a conducive environment for the development of the LOZAMAP TFCA and foster transnational collaboration and cooperation in ecosystem management.

According to the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation Prince Machaya, the MOU will enhance ecosystem integrity and natural ecological processes through harmonisation of environmental management procedures and the removal of artificial barriers, thereby allowing natural movement of wildlife without restrictions.

“The development of the Lower Zambezi Manna Pools Trans frontier Conservation Area is an important step towards the sustainable management of our natural resources. This MOU will foster transnational cooperation and promote alliances in the management of biological natural resources by encouraging social, economic and other partnerships among the stakeholders,” said Machaya.

The Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area will cover Manna Pools National Park, Hurungwe, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas, and the adjacent Communal, State and privately held land on the Zimbabwean side and the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa and open areas within Siavonga and Chirundu Districts as well as State and private land in Zambia. The TFCA Development Plan will be funded by the Global Environmental Facility 6 at a cost of US$170 000.

“The MOU seeks to develop frameworks and strategies to enable local communities to participate and derive tangible benefits from the management and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Additionally, it aims to develop trans-boundary tourism as a means for fostering regional socio-economic development,” said Machaya

This development has been hailed as a positive step towards sustainable wildlife management and is expected to attract more tourists to the region, thus contributing to the growth of the local economy.

“The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in the efforts to conserve natural resources in the region. It is hoped that this partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia will serve as an example to other African countries, highlighting the importance of transnational cooperation in the conservation of natural resources.”

Zimbabwe and Zambia enjoy excellent relations which span many sector. The Northern neighbour is a historical midwife to the birth of it’s Southern sister as the former contributed to the liberation of the later through hosting of military bases and training camps.