Zimbabwe and Zambia Drafted LOZAMAP Conservation Treaty
Legal and technical experts met in Harare to formalize the transfrontier conservation area’s legal status.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in National Parks
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Experts from Zimbabwe and Zambia have convened to draft a formal treaty for the LOZAMAP Transfrontier Conservation Area. This new legal framework aims to secure permanent institutional arrangements for the 17,745-square-kilometre protected landscape.
Why it matters
The treaty represents a transition from a 2023 memorandum of understanding, which only initiated talks, to a binding agreement that mandates unified governance and action. This move is designed to replace current informal cooperation with a codified legal structure.
The proposed LOZAMAP Transfrontier Conservation Area spans 17,745 square kilometres across the Zambezi Valley. This region encompasses both the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.
The players
Lower Zambezi National Park
This protected area in Zambia serves as a key component of the cross-border conservation initiative.
Mana Pools National Park
This Zimbabwean park is a critical part of the landscape included in the LOZAMAP project.
The details
The working group is drafting provisions to standardize governance, community participation, and law enforcement across the shared border. Current operations like intelligence sharing and joint river patrols are currently dependent on administrative goodwill rather than a permanent legal foundation.
Timeline
The LOZAMAP project was first initiated in 2002.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by ministers on May 26, 2023.
Legal and technical experts met in Harare on September 22, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The draft treaty follows a pattern established by the long-standing LOZAMAP Transfrontier Conservation Area project. This development marks a transition from voluntary administrative cooperation to a formal, binding legal framework for regional environmental management.
The formalization of this treaty may eventually lead to more streamlined tourism access and unified regulations for travelers visiting the Zambezi Valley. Prospective visitors should monitor future legislative updates that may alter cross-border transit policies in the area.
The takeaway
The move toward a formal treaty signals a commitment to long-term stability for one of the region's most significant ecological zones. Travelers to these areas should stay informed as the legal framework matures, potentially impacting cross-border access for ecotourism activities.
Further reading
Learn more about international conservation efforts in our National Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Best African News Online.
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