Ecological Linkages

Connecting protected areas. Strengthening shared landscapes.

Ecological linkages connect protected areas, enabling functional, robust landscapes.

They support shared land-use planning, wildlife movement and the coexistence of people and nature across large areas. Protected areas are the building blocks of conservation, but their long-term success also depends on what happens beyond their boundaries. Ecological linkages provide a framework for planning and managing these shared spaces so that protected areas remain connected and the
wider landscape can function over time. 

By 2030, Peace Parks aims to operationalise seven priority ecological linkages across five transboundary landscapes.

How an ecological linkage works
in practice

Mapai District, Mozambique

Peace Parks’ work in Mapai District, Mozambique, demonstrates how this can operate in practice. The 11 678 km² district land-use plan formally recognised ecological corridors while also providing for farming, aquaculture, forestry, tourism and community development. It was developed through a process involving national, provincial and district authorities, community leaders and land-use specialists.

Seven priority ecological linkages

Sioma - Kafue

Zambia

This linkage connects Zambia’s Sioma Ngwezi and Kafue national parks in the Kavango Zambezi landscape. These linkages support the movement of elephant, buffalo, zebra, carnivores and other migratory species including birds.

Simalaha - Kafue

Botswana, Namibia and Zambia

This linkage connects Botswana, Namibia,and Zambia within the Kavango Zambezi landscape. These linkages support the movement of elephant, buffalo, zebra, carnivores and other migratory species including birds.

Limpopo - Banhine

Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Limpopo and Banhine are joined through an ecological linkage connecting Mozambican protected areas with South Africa’s Kruger National Park. These connections anchor large-scale elephant and predator movement.

Banhine – Zinave - Gonarezhou

Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe

This linkage connects Mozambique’s national parks with Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou within the Great Limpopo landscape. These connections anchor large-scale elephant and predator movement.

Futi Corridor

Mozambique and South Africa

Proclaimed in 2011, this landscape strengthens management collaboration between Maputo National Park and Tembe Elephant Park.

Maputo (Marine) - iSimangaliso

Mozambique and South Africa

The coastal and marine system extends between Maputo National Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, protecting coral reefs, turtle-nesting beaches, estuaries and other habitats across the international boundary.

Nyika - Vwaza

Malawi and Zambia

The Nyika – Vwaza connection functions as an ecological linkage through watershed connectivity, shared ecosystem services, and co-management of montane and riparian systems.

How ecological linkages are strengthened

No two linkages are the same. The approach in each location is shaped by the protected areas, communities, land uses and natural systems involved.

Shared land-use planning

Land-use planning helps identify how conservation, farming, settlement, infrastructure, tourism and other economic activity can be accommodated across the same landscape.

Local governance

Community institutions, traditional authorities and government structures play a central role in decisions about land, water, wildlife and other natural resources.

Sustainable farming and livestock management

Improved farming, grazing and livestock practices can strengthen food security and local incomes while reducing pressure on land and protected areas.

Wildlife movement and monitoring

Wildlife surveys, GPS tracking and field monitoring help identify movement routes, understand changing patterns and guide planning.

Habitat and natural-resource management

Wetlands, rivers, forests and rangelands must remain productive for both people and wildlife. Work may include restoration, fire management, fisheries management and improved use of natural resources.

Economic opportunity

Tourism, conservation finance and other nature-based enterprises can help generate value from well-managed landscapes and support their long-term viability.

Part of a larger conservation system

Ecological linkages connect the key protected areas that anchor Peace Parks’ five priority transboundary landscapes.

Together, these protected areas and linkages create the scale required to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and support the people and economies that depend on healthy natural systems.

Explore our transfrontier landscapes

Explore our protected areas

See how conservation at scale works