ZIMBABWE has taken an important step towards transforming transboundary conservation and combating illegal wildlife trade, NewsDay Weekender has learnt.
The Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) Secretariat recently convened a high-level technical workshop in Harare to customise the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Zimbabwe.
Held under the Joint Transboundary Law Enforcement Governance project, the workshop brought together key institutions including the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, reinforcing a government-led approach to regulating the trade of wildlife and forest products.
Supported by the German government through KfW Development Bank, the initiative aims to strengthen enforcement capacity at ports of entry and exit across the KAZA region.
Building on progress from the 2025 Victoria Falls Inception Workshop, the meeting marked a critical transition from generic regional guidelines to country-specific implementation tools.
Participants engaged in technical presentations, discussions and group work to align the SOPs with Zimbabwe’s legal frameworks, institutional mandates, and operational
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realities.
Key takeaways included insights into Zimbabwe’s current CITES implementation processes, identification of challenges and opportunities, and detailed discussions on the legal trade of CITES-listed wildlife and timber species.
Contributions from the Forestry Commission ensured that forestry products were fully integrated into the SOPs framework.
“The customised SOP will enhance collaboration between wildlife, forestry, customs and law enforcement agencies, improving traceability and legality verification of traded products,” KAZA TFCA said.
The process emphasised inter-agency co-ordination, efficiency and clarity in procedures related to permitting, inspection and compliance monitoring.
The workshop showcased innovative tools such as the KAZA Timber Permit Guide App, showcasing the role of digital solutions in modernizing enforcement systems and improving operational efficiency.
“Effective conservation depends on strong governance, coordinated institutions, and practical tools that work on the ground,” KAZA TFCA said.
With the customisation process successfully concluded, the focus now shifts to internal stakeholder consultations, formal adoption, and nationwide dissemination of the SOP, complemented by targeted capacity building and ongoing monitoring to ensure effective implementation.