The SADC TFCA Financing Facility (TFCA FF) is a regional financing mechanism established in 2020 to provide sustainable funding for conservation and management actions in SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs).
The SADC TFCA FF is fully aligned with the objectives of the SADC Programme for TFCAs and aims to contribute to various objectives and goals in other relevant SADC strategies and protocols such as the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement, the SADC Protocol on Forestry, the SADC Protocol on Shared Water Courses, the SADC Regional Biodiversity and Wildlife Based Economy Strategies, the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan and the SADC Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching (LEAP) Strategy.
The Training Facility for Wildlife Rangers and TFCA Managers is a regional financing mechanism under the TFCA FF established to provide needs-driven, workplace-related training for wildlife rangers and TFCA managers for conservation of shared natural resources.
The TFCA FF is currently funded by the German Government. The German government has funded the TFCA FF in multiple phases, totaling EUR 44 million so far. This funding is channled via Germany’s Development Bank, KfW. For the Training Facility, an additional EUR 15 million have been provided by the German government. Further funding of 10 million Euros has been committed by the European Union under the NaturAfrica Program and will be implemented later in 2025.
The IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office is the TFCA FF’s Fund manager.
WEBSITE: TFCA Network - Home
The main purpose of the TFCA FF is to invest in tangible measures that strengthen ecological, economic, cultural and institutional connectivity within SADC TFCAs. The SADC TFCA FF addresses the critical needs for conservation by integrating the three dimensions of “species”, “habitat” and “people”, and aligning with the overall socio-economic development and regional integration goals of SADC TFCAs.
The Training Facility includes on-site and off-site training for junior managers and rangers on key topics identified in the Training Needs Assessment Review, including refresher basic ranger training (using human rights based approaches), strategic SMART patrol planning & data use (including aerial surveillance and use of K9 units), community conflict resolution & benefit-sharing, cross-border collaboration, use of technical tools (GPS, drones, crime scene and courtroom processes) and Human-Wildlife Conflict management. The project will promote the SADC TFCA programme by investing in human capital and ultimately improving conservation and livelihood outcomes.
The initial geographic focus of the SADC TFCA FF will be the following three TFCAs: Kavango Zambezi (KAZA), Malawi-Zambia and Great Limpopo (GLTFCA), and approximately 80% of the grant funds will be allocated to these three. However, at least 20% of the available grant funds will be allocated to other SADC TFCAs on the basis of clear selection criteria. In the medium to long term, it is envisaged that all TFCAs will benefit from the SADC TFCA FF, aligned with their overarching strategies and plans and in line with the SADC TFCA Programme.
