By Staff Reporter
A partnership between the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), conservation organisations and the private sector has strengthened wildlife populations in Namibia’s communal conservation areas through the translocation of 575 animals from Etosha National Park.
The initiative, which includes communal conservancies in the Kunene Region, aims to restore biodiversity, improve ecological balance and strengthen community based conservation.
The operation, valued at about N$6.7 million, received approximately N$2.7 million in funding from the Conservation Travel Foundation (CTF), the non profit conservation arm of ultimate.earth, through support from the Lion Recovery Fund.
The translocation forms part of Namibia’s broader efforts to rebuild wildlife populations and improve the resilience of key conservation landscapes while creating long term benefits for communities that depend on conservation and tourism.
CTF founder Tristan Cowley said the initiative demonstrates the value of partnerships in conservation.
“The bolstering of wildlife populations to these landscapes is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together towards a shared conservation vision,” Cowley said.
He said Namibia’s conservation achievements have been driven by collaboration between government, local communities and conservation partners.
He said government provides the policy framework, communities remain custodians of the land, while organisations such as CTF and the Lion Recovery Fund contribute financial resources and technical support.
The Kunene Region is home to desert adapted elephants, lions and free ranging black rhinos.
According to conservationists, increasing prey populations is critical for maintaining ecological balance and reducing conflict between predators and communities.
Cowley said protecting Namibia’s wildlife requires continued cooperation across all sectors.
“The scale of conservation challenges facing Namibia requires collaboration from all sectors of society. When government, communities, conservation organisations and responsible private sector partners combine their efforts, we can achieve outcomes that would not be possible individually,” he said.
CTF said it will continue supporting practical conservation projects that protect biodiversity, strengthen community conservation and promote sustainable development through responsible tourism partnerships.
The foundation thanked the ministry, the Lion Recovery Fund, conservation partners and local communities for their role in safeguarding Namibia’s natural heritage.
