Zambia and Angola Seal Historic Conservation Pact to Establish Liuwa Plains–Mussuma Transfrontier Conservation Area

The high-profile signing ceremony took place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, drawing senior government officials, diplomats, conservation leaders, and media representatives. The agreement marks a major step in creating a transboundary protected landscape spanning approximately 14,464 km² across the two nations.

Speaking at the event, Honourable Collins Nzovu, Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation and Acting Minister of Tourism, highlighted the broader significance of the pact.

“Today’s signing event marks not only a milestone in regional cooperation, but also a renewed commitment by our nations to conserve our shared natural resources for current and future generations. The Liuwa–Mussuma TFCA is a blueprint for conservation-driven development and regional unity,” Nzovu stated.

Angola’s Minister of Environment, Honourable Ana Paula Chantre Luna de Carvalho Pereira, echoed the sentiment, calling the agreement a symbol of shared responsibility.

This agreement is a testament to our collective responsibility to safeguard ecosystems that transcend borders. It reflects our determination to ensure that the people and wildlife of the Liuwa–Mussuma region benefit from sustainable development, peace, and shared prosperity.

A Crucial Ecological Corridor

The Liuwa Plains–Mussuma landscape is a biodiversity treasure in the greater Zambezi Basin. It is internationally recognized for hosting Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, supporting predators such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and African wild dogs. The area is also home to over 350 bird species and includes part of the Zambezi River catchment, which is critical to regional water security and ecosystem health.

Liuwa Plain National Park, located in Zambia and covering 3,369 km², has been a conservation beacon since the 19th century, when it was protected by King Lubosi Lewanika. Recent restoration efforts have included predator reintroductions and community-led conservation programs, setting a strong precedent for transboundary collaboration.

The Mussuma region in Angola offers vital complementary habitats, including woodlands and riverine areas. Though impacted by past conflict, it holds enormous potential for ecological restoration and species recovery, particularly through connectivity with Liuwa.

A Vision for Conservation-Led Development

The newly signed MoU reflects Zambia’s deepening commitment to transboundary conservation, adding the Liuwa–Mussuma TFCA to its participation in four other TFCAs: KAZA, MAZA, ZIMOZA, and LOZAMAP.

Conservation partners, including the Peace Parks Foundation, African Parks, Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and the Barotse Royal Establishment, have played instrumental roles in shaping the vision. These organizations will continue to support efforts focused on combating wildlife crime, promoting scientific research, and unlocking ecotourism opportunities that benefit local communities.

The TFCA is also expected to enhance the region’s climate resilience and serve as a model for landscape-scale conservation in Africa.

The Road Ahead

Today’s agreement marks a turning point in conservation diplomacy between Zambia and Angola. The joint vision for the Liuwa Plains–Mussuma TFCA places environmental stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, and regional integration at the heart of development.

As Honourable Nzovu aptly concluded, “This initiative goes beyond borders—it is about building a shared future rooted in respect for nature and each other.”