President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and his colleague Edgar Lungu on Tuesday signed a treaty on Malawi – Zambia TransFontier Conservation Area (TFCA).

The ceremony was held at Sanjika Palace in the commercial capital Blantyre and it was also graced by former President of Mozambique Joachim Chisano who is also vice chairman of the Peace Parks Foundation.

In his speech, Mutharika said he was excited the dream has finally come to pass.

“The treaty seeks to create a collaborative environment towards conservation and sustainable livelihoods for the two nations, law enforcement on wildlife, working together to boost the tourism industry and protecting the wildlife for the two member states.

“This is a fulfillment of a dream which started in 2004 when the two nations signed an MoU and I am excited that the signing of the treaty has finally taken place,” said Mutharika.

Added Mutharika: I therefore urge you all to take part in this good cause to curb crime against wildlife and achieve our goal of having a sustainable wildlife.”

On his part, Lungu said TFCA will deliver benefits to the people living in the regions covered.

The TFCA covers a distance of 31 792 square kilometres and comprises the Nyika-North Luangwa and Kasungu-Lukusuzi component.