Norway Grant Agreement for Nyika TFCA signed

Following on an earlier report regarding the funding secured for the Nyika TFCA involving Malawi and Zambia, the Norway Grant Agreement was signed on 16 May 2012. → read more…

Background

The Malawi/Zambia transfrontier conservation area includes the Nyika TFCA, which is centred on a high undulating montane grassland plateau rising over 2000m above the bushveld and wetlands of the Vwaza Marsh. In summer a multitude of wild flowers and orchids burst forth on the highlands, making it a sight unlike any seen in most other game parks. Kasungu/Lukusuzi TFCA, on the other hand, is an area of importance for biodiversity conservation in the Central Zambezian Miombo Woodland Ecoregion.

Progress

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) towards the TFCAs’ establishment was signed on 13 August 2004.

A joint law enforcement project operating as a single unit across international borders to combat poaching has been deployed with resounding success in the Nyika TFCA. The reduction in poaching and improvement in animal sightings allowed for the start of a wildlife restocking programme of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve in 2007.

Current Projects

On 21 April 2011 the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Trust Fund Grant to the value of $4.82 million for a project that aims to establish the more effective cross-border management of biodiversity in the Nyika TFCA. In addition, co-financing commitments have been secured from the Norwegian Embassy in Malawi, the governments of Malawi and Zambia, and Peace Parks Foundation for a total amount of $11.09 million over the next five years.

The partner countries met all conditions for the World Bank’s Project Preparation Grant. Both governments established a joint steering committee and appointed financial management staff with qualifications and experience that meet the World Bank’s criteria.

In the interim, Peace Parks Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the partner countries to provide bridging finance that would allow implementing agents to procure and pay for critical goods and services.

Continued law enforcement patrols were undertaken and patrol reporting and monitoring systems maintained while field patrol teams continued to submit patrol reports. The team of five fence attendants maintained the Bambando Zaro Sanctuary fence and the seven Zambia Wildlife Authority police officers, based at the Sanctuary, monitored traffic through the Sanctuary.

The officer’s house in Kasungu National Park was completed while four tents for the officers’ camp in Lukusuzi National Park were delivered to the Zambian authorities. An operations room for Lukusuzi National Park was constructed near the entrance gate and VHF radios and related equipment for the installation of a network were procured. A VHF radio network system was also established in Kasungu National Park. Approval was subsequently received to install radios using the same frequency but different channels in the two parks. GPS and VHF radio solar charging equipment for both parks were also procured.

Donors supporting this TFCA

Global Environment Facility
World Bank
Dutch Postcode Lottery
The Embassy of Norway in Malawi
Swedish Postcode Lottery
WWF Netherlands

International Coordinator

Mr Humphrey Nzima from Malawi is the international coordinator for the Malawi/Zambia TFCAs.