Expanding Great Limpopo

On Wednesday, 22 February, Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Licoturismo signed a memorandum of understanding to formally establish the Greater Libombos Conservancy (GLC) – the first privately owned area to be included as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). This groundbreaking process in Mozambique to create the GLC was supported by Peace Parks Foundation. Including the 240 000 ha GLC into Great Limpopo will be formalised on Friday, 24 February. Mozambique is the first country to add areas to Great Limpopo in terms of the Great Limpopo Treaty signed in 2002.

The GLC comprises a total of nine properties on the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park. Great Limpopo TFCA straddles the borders of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe and consolidates almost 100 000 km² of some of the most established wildlife areas in southern Africa.

The GLC is significant in terms of its environmental attributes, as well as its geographic location. It conserves and protects diverse natural and cultural assets. It is largely devoid of infrastructure or anthropogenic impacts, and includes vast unspoilt areas that provide opportunities for the development of true wilderness experiences. The GLC is also a key component of the largest rhino refuge area in southern Africa and, together with its neighbours, is at the forefront of the combat against the current rhino poaching epidemic.

Adding the GLC to Great Limpopo TFCA has major positive implications for conservation, community development and countering wildlife crime.