From 16-18 October 2018, SCIONA was represented at the SADC TFAC Network Meeting at the Southern African Wildlife College. Members were present from all SADC states (except Madagascar and Mauritius), USAID, IUCN, Peace Parks Foundation, additional NGOs in the region and academic institutions. The SCIONA project was presented and feedback was very positive, especially in the approach the project is undertaking concerning community development.

The objectives of the meeting were:

• Report on progress made in the implementation of the SADC TFCA programme
• Updates on the activities and work plans of the CoPs
• Input on the proposed SADC Transfrontier Conservation Summit
• Update on collaborative management partnerships in support of the implementation of the SADC TFCA Programme
• Share lessons learned and recommendations to assist stakeholders in collaborative management for TFCA development
• Discuss TFCA Network Participation at the 14th COP of the CBD
• SADC TFCA training needs, offers and gaps
• Prepare recommendations to the SADC Technical Committee on Wildlife
• Update SADC TFCA capacity building needs for rangers and field managers
• Share lessons and advise on collaborative management in support of TFCA development in the region
• Enhance knowledge about importance of climate mitigation and adaptation measures for TFCA development

In addition, the current TFCA donor landscape and potential models for attracting additional funding were also discussed. This included presentations by the SADC TFCA Financing Facility, IUCN BIOPAMA project, GEF 7 Cycle of funding and the World Bank.

Author(s): Amber Nott