The KAZA 2024 Heads of State Summit concluded in Livingstone, Zambia, with leaders of the five member countries agreeing to advocate for lifting the ban on ivory trade at the upcoming CoP20 of CITES in Geneva. Despite discontent with the ban, they opted to pursue dialogue. The leaders resolved to maintain flexibility until after CoP20. The summit aimed to reinforce commitment to the KAZA-TFCA and address various conservation and socio-economic issues.
Participants:
- Host: President Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia)
- Attendees: President Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), President Nangolo Mbumba (Namibia), Vice President Slumber Tsogwane (Botswana), Minister Marcio de Jesus Lopes (Angola)
Key Decisions:
- Keep options open regarding CITES, considering diplomatic engagement, withdrawal, reservations, arbitration, and trading with non-CITES parties.
- Develop a common position to present at CoP20.
- Participate in upcoming dialogue meetings, including preparatory sessions in Botswana.
Statements:
- President Mnangagwa criticized Western opposition to ivory trade, citing successful wildlife management in Southern Africa.
- Emphasis on responsible and sustainable conservation for future generations.
KAZA-TFCA:
- Formed by Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Aims to conserve biodiversity and promote rural economic growth through integrated transboundary management and nature-based tourism.
Discussion Topics:
- Human-wildlife conflict, climate change impact on conservation, community benefits, visa system, carbon trading, and green finance solutions.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where did the KAZA 2024 Heads of State Summit take place?
- A) Geneva, Switzerland
- B) Livingstone, Zambia
- C) Panama
- D) Botswana
- Answer: B) Livingstone, Zambia
- What organization banned ivory trade, prompting discontent among KAZA member states?
- A) WWF
- B) UNESCO
- C) CITES
- D) IUCN
- Answer: C) CITES
- Which country’s President accused Western nations of double standards regarding wildlife conservation?
- A) Zambia
- B) Botswana
- C) Zimbabwe
- D) Namibia
- Answer: C) Zimbabwe
- What is the primary objective of the KAZA-TFCA?
- A) Industrial growth
- B) Wildlife conservation and rural economic growth
- C) Military cooperation
- D) Urban development
- Answer: B) Wildlife conservation and rural economic growth
- What was emphasized regarding conservation efforts for future generations?
- A) Immediate profits
- B) Responsibility and sustainability
- C) Exploitation
- D) Exclusivity
- Answer: B) Responsibility and sustainability