Good governance critical for KAZA, Shifeta says

For the successful conservation of biodiversity in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), programmes should always incorporate community-based natural resource management and the sustainable use of those resources for the benefit of local communities.

This according to environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta, who was speaking at a ministerial meeting at the KAZA TFCA summit in Livingstone, Zambia.

Having kicked off on Monday, the summit brings together leaders from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and will draw to a close tomorrow.

Shifeta said it is important to take stock of what it will take to further strengthen the KAZA TFCA’s governance and development. Good governance is critical for the existence of the initiative, he added.

“The quality of governance affects management effectiveness, helps determine the generation and sharing of costs and benefits and helps to ensure community, political and financial support and sound management of natural resources. Through good governance, the rights of our communities living in KAZA can be respected within the frameworks of biodiversity conservation and human rights. Good governance in a transboundary programme like this one provides opportunities for win-win solutions for conservation."

Ownership and control

To strengthen governance and development, stakeholders should continue to provide leadership in all matters related to the development and management of the KAZA TFCA and ensure that the ownership and control of the area remains with its member countries, the minister said.

“We should provide overall policy guidance and direction on all matters related to the TFCA’s development.”

Shifeta said it is the member states’ responsibility to ensure that the area is developed as a sustainable conservation and tourism development programme from which partner countries can derive equitable social and economic benefits.

He added that the area is endowed with an abundance and diversity of wildlife species, which have a considerable economic and ecological value.

“We are all aware that the biological resources of the KAZA TFCA incorporate the largest elephant population on the African continent. The plant life is equally phenomenal, some of which are endemic to the southern African savannahs, woodlands and wetlands.”

It is, therefore, imperative to promote the conservation of biodiversity, Shifeta said, adding that this must have a positive impact on the standard of living of rural communities.

It is on the basis of the potential presented by the vast wildlife, tourism and cultural resources in the region that the five member countries should continue to derive equitable returns and significant socioeconomic benefits, the minister said, provided that they harmonise their conservation policies and practices and use shared natural resources prudently.

“We also need to invest in human-capacity development and strengthen the KAZA secretariat to ensure functional institutional services.”

He further highlighted the need to invest in functional systems at borders for easy movement of tourists and citizens.

“It is important that we invest in infrastructure development, ensure tourism development and build access roads, bridges, airports, communication and other necessities.”