In 2011, five African countries—Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola— signed a treaty to create the world’s largest transboundary conservation area. WWF played an instrumental role in the development of this unprecedented treaty, using its extensive expertise to ensure that local communities benefit economically from wildlife on their land, through the conservation of animals and the habitats and the creation of a world-class tourism experience.

The treaty is called Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and aims to promote a culture of peace and shared resources as they strengthen regional economies through wildlife tourism. The breadth and variety of wildlife in KAZA is astounding. Roughly half of Africa’s total elephant populations live here along with African wild dogs, hippos, rhinos, lions, crocodiles, and cheetahs, among others.

KAZA addresses several key issues that impact wildlife populations, including poaching and international wildlife trade, economic and conservation strategies, the thousands of miles of fencing that impedes the natural movement of species, and the protection of wildlife populations.

What WWF is Doing

The area that makes up KAZA has been a priority for WWF since 2003. With offices in three out of five KAZA countries, WWF has been and will continue to be active in the region. They are recognized as an important conservation partner, increasing the participation of local communities in natural resource management and ensuring they are key benefactors of KAZA and the money generated through its tourism-related activities. They also contribute to species conservation and transboundary land-use planning, and work on-the-ground with communities, NGOs, governments, and the private sector to protect iconic wildlife, their habitat, and the people who call this extraordinary region home.