Statement by US on the Launch of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Washington, DC
March 21, 2012

The United States Government applauds the Governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe on the March 15th launch of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. This launch was the result of three years of technical and legal consultations and is a shining example of regional coordination in Southern Africa. The United States would also like to congratulate the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its guiding role in this conservation project.

The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area will allow fragmented wildlife populations from all five countries to reconnect and roam across borders in an area spanning over 170,000 square miles (440,000 square kilometers). This project is a noteworthy step towards protecting the region’s unique wildlife and vital ecosystems as well as enhancing regional economic development.

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