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Gaza-Kruger-Gonarezhou transfrontier conservation area to be declared
Joint media statement by the ministers responsible for natural resources in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe

TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2000, HARARE, ZIMBABWE: The ministers responsible for natural resources (Environmental Affairs, Wildlife, Forestry, Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining) in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe met today in Harare to consolidate plans for what could become the biggest transfrontier conservation area in the world, straddling 100 000 square kilometres. This was a follow-up to a meeting of the same ministers held in October 1999 in Maputo, Mozambique.

The areas to be included in the Gaza-Kruger-Gonarezhou transfrontier area are wildlife areas in Mozambique's Gaza Province -- 66 000 square kilometres; Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou and adjoining areas -- 10 000 square kilometres; and South Africa's Kruger National Park and adjoining areas -- 22 000 square kilometres. While these areas have disparities in terms of infrastructure and other resources, the ministers expressed confidence that the current operation of each of these countries' conservation areas would be a springboard to kickstart investment opportunities to support a vision of sustainable utilisation of natural resources and support a carefully considered step-by-step implementation process.

The trilateral committee of ministers will continue to give political direction to this process. A technical committee and a working group will carry out support functions to the ministerial committee. South Africa was designated as project leader, a rotating position that it will hold for two years.

In dropping the fence bordering these conservation areas, the ministers noted that the following challenges would have to be addressed in the course of the implementation of this project:

  • Harmonisation of legislation to standardise law enforcement.
  • Identification of training needs to support expected enterprises.
  • A joint strategy to deal with wildlife diseases.
  • The clearing of landmines.
  • Human inheritance in conservation areas.
  • The involvement and consultation of affected communities, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders in all countries concerned.

A plan of action with clear time frames was adopted. This will lead to the signing of a transfrontier conservation agreement by the three ministers on 19 June 2000 at Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Issued by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

For more information contact: Dr Leo Braack on (+27) (+82) 808-9659