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The SADC region is home to many of Africa‘s most valued species and wildlife sanctuaries and possesses a number of World Heritage Sites. The dependence of the region on natural resources (for water, biodiversity-tourism, agriculture, and mines) is very high and their availability is strongly influenced by human and climatic factors. Recent droughts and floods and the prospect of accelerated global warming reinforce the need for the SADC region to consider options for a more sustainable management and sharing of the regions’s natural resources.
Regional cooperation is already playing a significant role in the conservation of biological resources in Southern Africa. One of the boldest cross-border initiatives currently unfolding in Southern Africa is the development of Trans-frontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs). The TFCA concept aims to create an environment that allows for a balance between the improvement of livelihood for local populations and the sustainable use and protection of the region’s biodiversity.
The objective of the programme is to support crossborder sustainable management of natural resources.
This objective can be attained through:
· Cross-border river basin management
· Food security (through seed security, policy harmonisation, disaster preparedness and information dissemination)
· The sustainable management of Trans-frontier Conservation Areas (TFCA)
Projects:
SADC Seed Security Network (SSSN)
SADC recognises that improved seed security is a major factor in crop food security. Aiming to increase farmers’ access to quality seed, SADC launched the SADC Seed Security Network (SSSN) in 2001.
The overall goal of SDC is to contribute to improved food security in the region through the support of policy harmonisation and the facilitation of intra-regional availability of critical agricultural inputs (e.g. improved seeds) for small farmers. Food Security is seen as a critical component for the strategy involved in the reduction of economic vulnerability and the alleviation of poverty at the household and country level.
SADC Water Resources Management
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has adopted the SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses. SDC contributes to the implementation of this Protocol through a partnership with SDC and the SADC Water Division. The project provides for capacity building and facilitation in the establishment of Joint Water Commissions on the Umbeluzi River and Rovuma River.
Three Nations Namib Desert Transfrontier Conservation Area (Conservation International)
In this project, Conservation International seeks to productively involve rural communities in conservation and natural resource utilisation as well as local economic development. The Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) are seen as having a great potential to alleviate poverty and enable communities to manage their natural resources in a sustainable way. Supported by SADC, this concept allows cross-border issues to be tackled through the prism of natural resources management.
For further information, please refer to the Fact Sheets
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