A new initiative to strengthen biodiversity conservation and community resilience in one of Southern Africa’s most important transboundary landscapes has officially been launched.
12 May 2026
A gemsbok crosses the salt pans of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana. © Mike Dexter
A new initiative to strengthen biodiversity conservation and community resilience in one of Southern Africa’s most important transboundary landscapes has officially been launched.
Announced in Gaborone, Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) Project is a European Union-funded programme focused on improving protected area management, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting sustainable development for communities living alongside the park.
Implemented by African Parks in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and in collaboration with the Governments of Botswana and South Africa, the 30-month initiative builds on more than 25 years of cross-border cooperation.
Spanning a vast arid landscape across both countries, the Kgalagadi protects one of the region’s most intact desert ecosystems. Its long-term resilience depends on coordinated management and sustained collaboration between governments, conservation partners and local communities.
The project will focus primarily on the Botswana side of the park, while supporting selected activities in South Africa, including engagement with the ǂKhomani San community. Key priorities include strengthening park management systems, improving infrastructure and planning, and supporting greater alignment across stakeholders.
A central focus is community participation, with plans to create opportunities for local livelihoods through wildlife and tourism, alongside stronger governance and long-term planning frameworks.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for South Africa, Narend Singh, described the project as a significant step forward:
“Today’s milestone reaffirms the enduring commitment of our two governments… as a symbol of peace, cooperation, and shared stewardship.”
EU Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Petra Pereyra, added:
“The Kgalagadi is not just a biodiversity hotspot - it is a shared heritage that demands shared responsibility.”
By the end of the project, expected outcomes include improved park management capacity, stronger planning frameworks, increased community participation, and enhanced socio-economic opportunities across the region.
