A unique conservation project in southern Africa gets a big vote of confidence.
We are delighted that our partners Peace Parks Foundation, together with African Parks and World Wildlife Fund, have been awarded €16.9 million by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. The grant helps to secure KAZA TFCA, Africa’s largest transboundary conservation area.
In the heart of southern Africa, between the Okavango and Zambezi river basins, KAZA covers an area the size of France. It connects land in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe into one cross-border ecosystem. It is home to 2.5 million people, approximately half of Africa’s savannah elephants, almost 20% of the continent’s lions, and 15% of the world’s wild cheetahs.
The funding will be invested in critical ‘safe haven’ Protected Areas, to secure connectivity through wildlife corridors and to preserve water and other precious natural resources for people and wildlife. This five-year grant will act as a massive boost to existing initiatives in the area, including Peace Parks Foundation and SYSTEMIQ’s ongoing work in the Sioma Ngwezi National Park: watch the video or contact us to find out more.
“Preserving large, intact and connected ecosystems is vital for people, wildlife and the fight against climate change,” explained Douglas Flynn, SYSTEMIQ’s biodiversity and conservation lead. “I am delighted by this significant commitment from the Dutch Postcode Lottery, and hope it serves to increase the confidence and ambition of other funders and investors in this remarkable region.”
