Zambia, Malawi Sign MOU on Trans-Frontier Conservation Area

Zambia, Malawi sign MOU on trans-frontier conservation area

LUSAKA, March 19 (Xinhua) — The Zambian and Malawian governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) here on Monday for the establishment of the Malawi-Zambia Trans- Frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) in a bid to protect wild animals in the area from declining in number.

Zambia’s Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources acting permanent secretary Lubinda Aongola disclosed this at the 8th Bilateral Technical Committee Meeting on Malawi-Zambia TFCA project.

Aongola said comprehensive stakeholder sensitization and consultation meetings in areas to be affected by the TFCA project have been undertaken to ensure acceptability and ownership.

He said an institutional framework at the national, technical and working group levels has also been established.

Aongola disclosed that the restocking program of selected species of large animals on the Zambian side of the TFCA would take place sometime this year.

The restocking program would be extended to other TFCA areas after the completion of a feasibility study of the site, Aongola added.

Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) Director General Lewis Saiwana said at the meeting preparations made by the two governments include the integrated tourism development plan that will guide tourism operations in the project area and the joint management plan that will guide the day-to-day management of TFCA as a single unit.

Malawian Director of National Parks and Wildlife Leonard Sefu said the TFCA would catalyze rural development and contribute to poverty reduction in both countries if put to good use.

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