Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area

With the assistance of the Peace Parks Foundation, De Beers, the National Parks Trust and WWF-SA, SANParks consolidated the core area of South Africa's contribution to the proposed TFCA. In July 2003 the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape was proclaimed a World Heritage Site. Mapungubwe National Park was officially opened on 24 September 2004.[1] A memorandum of understanding on the TFCA’s establishment was signed on 22 June 2006 and an international coordinator appointed.[2] On 19 June 2009, the Limpopo/Shashe TFCA was renamed the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.[3]

In 2012 archaeological discoveries were made on the farm Klein Bolayi, east of Mapungubwe National Park, confirming that the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape extends eastwards or downstream along the Limpopo Valley, and corroborating human habitation in the area for more than 1 500 years.[4]

The Greater Mapungubwe TFCA, which is presently being developed will cover an area of 4 872 km² in extent, 28% (1 350 km²) will be situated in Botswana with a further 53% (2 561 km²) situated in South Africa and the balance 19% (960 km²) situated in Zimbabwe. With already viable populations of the larger draw card species such as elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog; as well as some 19 mammals, 26 plant species and a fair number of bird species listed in the red data book. The area is of substantial importance for conservation reasons alone.[5] The added range, protection and combined efforts offered through the establishment of the GMTFCA will contribute immensely to the protection of species found within the area. The dramatic landscapes and contrasts within the GMTFCA ensures what must be one of the most visually and naturally beautiful areas in Southern Africa, add to this the cultural heritage sites so rich and varied, that it entrenches the GMTFCA’s potential for drawing large numbers of local and international tourist alike to experience this magnificent area.[6]