Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub Cabinet has approved the Treaty on the Establishment of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, a landmark environmental and cultural cooperation pact among the Republics of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Announcing the development during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Treaty signals a new era of regional collaboration in natural resource conservation and sustainable development, anchored on shared ecological and cultural heritage. “The objective of the Treaty is to establish the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area for the promotion of collaborative conservation of the environment and shared natural and cultural heritage resources for the benefit of people in the Transfrontier Conservation Area,” he said. The Treaty, which has been under negotiation through trilateral engagements, aims to formalise cooperation in preserving the ecological integrity of one of Southern Africa’s most iconic conservation landscapes. The Greater Mapungubwe area is historically rich and ecologically sensitive, encompassing a range of biodiversity and archaeological significance. “Owing to shared values, interests and cultures among the people in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Governments of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coming together to develop models for enhancing livelihoods and conservation efforts,” added Dr Muswere. The Greater Mapungubwe TFCA will encompass key conservation territories including the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana, the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site in South Africa, and the Tuli Circle Safari Area, Maramani, and other surrounding Wildlife Management Areas in Zimbabwe. Government said the Treaty will not only strengthen cross-border cooperation in managing ecosystems and protecting wildlife corridors, but will also drive socio-economic development through eco-tourism and community-based natural resource management. “The Treaty will promote ecosystem integrity, biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage resource management and sustainable socio-economic development across international boundaries,” Dr Muswere noted.