SADC Council on Environment, Tourism, and Wildlife Convenes Ahead of Historic 25th Anniversary Summit
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council on Environment, Tourism, and Wildlife convened today in Zimbabwe, setting the stage for tomorrow’s highly anticipated Heads of State and Government Summit. This year’s summit carries special significance as it marks 25 years of impactful cooperation in sustainable development, regional conservation, and eco-tourism advancement across the SADC region.
Today’s council meeting brought together environment ministers, senior officials, and technical experts from SADC member states to align on key priorities, review progress made over the last two and a half decades, and finalise strategic recommendations for adoption by regional leaders. The council plays a vital role in shaping the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) agenda, ensuring the effective management of shared natural resources and the promotion of environmentally sustainable economic opportunities.
The gathering focused on a broad spectrum of issues including biodiversity protection, community-based natural resource management, climate change adaptation, and the development of nature-based tourism. Delegates discussed innovative ways to strengthen cross-border collaboration and improve the livelihoods of communities living within and around conservation areas.
Over the past 25 years, the SADC TFCA programme has grown to include over a dozen transboundary conservation initiatives, covering vast ecosystems that stretch across multiple countries. These areas have not only preserved vital biodiversity corridors but also fostered cooperation between nations, enhanced regional peacebuilding efforts, and attracted investment in eco-tourism infrastructure.
The council also reviewed environmental policy frameworks and regional instruments aimed at enhancing resilience against climate-induced challenges such as drought, floods, and habitat degradation. With climate change posing increasing threats to ecosystems and vulnerable communities, council members reiterated the urgent need for coordinated action, investment in green technologies, and capacity building for local institutions.
As part of the commemorative events, the council highlighted success stories from member states, where integrated conservation and development initiatives have improved both ecological outcomes and socio-economic wellbeing. Many of these initiatives have empowered local communities through employment opportunities, sustainable agriculture, and access to markets for eco-products and tourism services.
Tomorrow’s Heads of State and Government Summit will serve as a culmination of these efforts and will reaffirm the collective vision of a green, inclusive, and prosperous Southern Africa. Regional leaders are expected to adopt a declaration reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability, regional integration, and continued support for the TFCA programme as a pillar of the SADC development strategy.
As the region celebrates 25 years of impactful environmental cooperation, today’s council meeting has paved the way for bold decisions and renewed partnerships that will shape the next chapter of sustainable development across Southern Africa.
