Transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), also called peace parks, are part of a large ecological region that “straddles the boundaries of two or more countries, encompassing one or more protected areas as well as multiple resource use areas.” (https://www.peaceparks.org/) Peace Parks Foundation, founded in 1997 by HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Anton Rupertis, has been an important player in the establishment of 10 of the 18 TFCAs in southern Africa.

 Many communities living in TFCAs are vulnerable populations with limited means to maintain livelihood or obtain basic hygiene materials. The communities living in remote areas also have difficulty accessing healthcare and essential services. The Peace Parks Foundation leads an initiative that aims to alleviate the negative effects of daily challenges further imposed on the communities by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 In the past two decades, the Peace Parks Foundation and its partners have had much success in their work to improve the socio-economic development of the communities in TFCAs. However, COVID-19 threatens to reverse this progress. In response, the Peace Parks foundation uses its own resources to support communities and health sectors in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique by distributing information pamphlets, soap, masks, medical equipment, etc. The organisation is working to secure additional donations to benefit vulnerable populations.

 To learn more about the Peace Park Foundation and donate, visit https://www.peaceparks.org/one-ngo-taking-a-stand-against-covid-19-in-southern-africa/