HARARE, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC), on Friday urged member states to enhance cooperation in conserving regional biodiversity.
Speaking at the official opening of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government on Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, Mnangagwa reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to regional integration, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.
Noting that the SADC region now has 13 functional TFCAs spanning both terrestrial and marine environments, Mnangagwa said these cross-border conservation areas provide safe habitats for wildlife away from human settlements, helping to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect the region's biodiversity.
He emphasized the need for conservation strategies that simultaneously support community livelihoods and strike a balance between environmental protection and socio-economic development.
"Our region has come a long way in sustainable environmental management. As we look to the next 25 years and beyond, our dedication to fostering socio-ecological and economic connectivity should be redoubled as we integrate our conservation efforts across borders," Mnangagwa said.
"Going into the future, I urge all of us to embrace innovation, science-based solutions, and community-driven approaches to conservation," he added. ■