Community Conservation Fund 🇳🇦

CCFN and NUST Expand Digital Connectivity Through Community Hubs in Zambezi Conservancies The Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), has successfully completed and commissioned digital communication support systems aimed at improving connectivity and access to information within communal conservancies in the Zambezi Region. Through this initiative, Dzoti Conservancy received a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite installation, while Mashi Conservancy and Kyaramacan Association (KA) were supported with portable routers and Public WiFi solutions to enhance internet access and communication within their respective communities. This initiative was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based natural resource management and improve digital inclusion in remote rural areas. The installation of the VSAT system in Dzoti Conservancy has significantly improved connectivity and access to information for the community. Before the intervention, limited network coverage posed major challenges for communication, reporting, and coordination of conservation and development activities. The VSAT system now provides reliable internet access, enabling real-time communication, improved reporting systems, enhanced monitoring of field activities, and better access to online services and information. Similarly, the provision of portable routers and Public WiFi infrastructure to Mashi Conservancy and Kyaramacan Association Conservancy has enhanced digital connectivity for conservancy staff, community members, and local institutions. The intervention supports efficient communication between field teams and offices, improves access to conservation data and online platforms, and creates opportunities for communities to access educational, business, and information-sharing resources. Namibian Chamber of Environment Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO @kfw_namibia @wwfnamibia @ministry_of_environment_nam

Driving sustainable impact through partnerships First National Bank Namibia, through the FirstRand Namibia Group, reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and strategic partnerships during the commemoration of Environmental Knowledge Day, held under the theme “Driving Sustainable Impact Through Strategic Partnerships.” The event brought together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to reflect on the urgent need for collaborative action in addressing Namibia’s environmental challenges. Today, First National Bank Namibia marked Environmental Knowledge Day by committing N$4 million to the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia to support a Payments for Ecosystem Services framework. This investment is more than funding, it’s a bold step toward unlocking sustainable financing for conservation and rural development in Namibia. Community Conservation Fund's CEO Pandeni M. Kapia highlighted that, early support like this builds trust, validates the model, and positions Namibia to attract even greater donor and private sector investment. Together, through strategic partnerships, we can turn environmental challenges into lasting opportunities.

Trailblazing Lion Ranger Sets the Standard for Conservation Excellence. Windhoek – In a powerful testament to dedication, resilience and leadership, Ndjitjiuee Olga Karizemi has emerged as a leading figure in Namibia’s community-based conservation efforts, earning recognition as the top-performing female Lion Ranger. Speaking on behalf of the four award-winning Lion Rangers at a recent ceremony, Ndjitjiuee delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, reflecting not only her personal journey but the collective commitment of those working on the frontlines of human-wildlife co-existence. Ndjitjiuee’s achievement is no overnight success. She has consistently held the position of top-performing female Ranger since 2022, demonstrating unwavering commitment to conservation duties under often challenging field conditions. Her performance reached new heights in 2024 when she ranked fourth overall among 49 Lion Rangers, an accomplishment that underscores her exceptional work ethic and field expertise. In 2025, her leadership capabilities were formally recognized when she was appointed as one of the programme’s three Patrol Leaders. In this role, she oversees the deployment of 18 Rangers across multiple conservancies, coordinates operations with Rapid Response Teams, and maintains critical communication with conservancy representatives. Her position places her at the heart of conservation operations, ensuring both efficiency in the field and strong relationships with local communities. What makes her accomplishments even more remarkable is her ability to maintain peak performance despite taking maternity leave during the same year. Ndjitjiuee completed an impressive 705-foot patrols, covering a total distance of 8,135 kilometres, figures that reflect not only physical endurance but an extraordinary level of commitment. In a field traditionally dominated by men, Ndjitjiuee’s success carries added significance. She stands as a role model for women across Namibia, proving that gender is no barrier to excellence in conservation. @kfw_namibia @ministry_of_environment_nam Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO @

Top Lion Rangers Honoured at National CBNRM Conference in Windhoek Windhoek, Namibia . The dedication and resilience of Namibia’s frontline conservationists were celebrated at the Lion Rangers 2025 Awards Ceremony, held at the Windhoek Country Club Resort during the national Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Conference. The prestigious awards recognised four outstanding Lion Rangers for their exceptional performance in 2025, measured primarily by the extent and consistency of foot patrols conducted throughout the year. These patrols play a critical role in monitoring lion movements, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and safeguarding both rural livelihoods and Namibia’s iconic wildlife. The awards were presented by a distinguished panel of leaders, including the Honourable Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel; Deputy Executive Director for Natural Resources Management at the Ministry, Colgar Sikopo; Chief Executive Officer of the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia, Pandeni Mwandingi Kapia; and Kunene Regional Governor, Vipuakuje Muharukua. In recognition of their efforts, the top-performing rangers were awarded livestock prizes, reflecting both cultural relevance and practical value within their communities. The first-place winner received 12 goats and one ram, followed by 11 goats and a ram for second place, 10 goats and a ram for third place, and 9 goats and a ram awarded to the top-performing female Lion Ranger. Beyond the accolades, the ceremony highlighted the unique role Lion Rangers play in bridging conservation and community livelihoods. Notably, many of the rangers are farmers themselves. This dual role enables them to deeply understand the challenges faced by fellow farmers who live alongside predators. Their lived experience strengthens communication, fosters trust, and ultimately contributes to increased tolerance towards lions in communal areas. @kfw_jordan @kfw_namibia @lionrangers @ministry_of_environment_nam @wwfnamibia Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF)

STRENGTHENING CBNRM IN NAMIBIA 🇳🇦 The 2026 National CBNRM Conference officially took place in Windhoek on Wednesday & Thursday, with Indileni Daniel delivering the opening address and setting a forward-looking tone for Namibia’s conservation sector. In her remarks, the Minister announced government’s intention to repeal the Nature Conservation Ordinance and introduce a new Wildlife and Protected Areas Management law. She also highlighted plans to review the Forest Act. These reforms are aimed at strengthening the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme by granting communities greater control over conservancies and forest resources—ultimately increasing local benefits and ownership. Speaking at the same event, Selma Lendelvo, Chairperson of the Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations Board, emphasized that sustained support and a unified approach are critical to the programme’s long-term success. She noted that strong cooperation among stakeholders remains essential to keeping CBNRM at the heart of rural development. Adding to this, Sikongo Haihambo, Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism, reaffirmed that CBNRM continues to play a central role in Namibia’s conservation and tourism sectors. The conference highlighted a shared commitment among government, civil society, and partners to empower communities, protect natural resources, and ensure. sustainable livelihoods across the country. #CBNRM2026 #ConservationNamibia #CommunityEmpowerment #MEFT #SustainableTourism @wwfnamibia @community_conservationnamibia @namibia_nature_foundation Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) @kfw_namibia

Empowered and inspired. Noita Jossob recently attended a two-day Microsoft and Financial Management training in Windhoek, equipping her with essential skills to enhance her daily work. Investing in capacity building is key to stronger, more effective community work. @kfw_namibia @kfw.de @ministry_of_environment_nam @irdnc.namibia_ !!re_email!!_irdnc.namibia Namibian Chamber of Environment @namibia_nature_foundation Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO @wwfnamibia WWF WWF @wwf

Missed this week’s episode of Conservation Talks on NBC National Radio? Here’s a quick recap: We had an insightful conversation with Program Officer Eunice Shapange, unpacking the importance of building stronger natural resource-based civil society organizations to enhance community rights and benefits. The discussion highlighted how empowered local organizations play a critical role in ensuring communities actively participate in natural resource management, benefit from conservation efforts, and strengthen their voices in decision-making processes. Key takeaways included the need for capacity building, sustainable partnerships, and inclusive governance to drive long-term impact for communities and conservation alike. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations every Thursday! @kfw_namibia @kfw.de @ministry_of_environment_nam @ndt.ngo @ndt.nam @undpnamibia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP @gizafricanunion

This week on Conservation Talks, airing every Thursday on NBC National Radio, we bring you an insightful conversation with Program Officer Eunice Shapange. Join us as we unpack the topic: “Building Stronger Natural Resource-Based Civil Society Organizations to Improve Community Rights and Benefits.” @kfw_namibia @kfw.de @ndt.ngo @ndt.nam @ministry_of_environment_nam Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO@undpnamibia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP @undp @irdnc.namibia Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) @gizafricanunion @lacnamibia

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, together with key stakeholders, successfully hosted a two-day Microsoft training for regional staff. The training focuses on strengthening financial management, improving reporting, and enhancing data collection and compilation when working with conservancies. This initiative underscores our commitment to building capacity and ensuring effective, sustainable engagement with conservancies across the country. #CapacityBuilding #Conservation #Namibia @ministry_of_environment_nam Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO Namibian Chamber of Environment @kfw_namibia @kfw.de @undpnamibia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP @lacnamibia @irdnc.namibia Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC)

The Kunene Conservancy Budget Meeting is currently underway, bringing together stakeholders to review grant outputs achieved under the project. Discussions are focused on the utilization of remaining balances, project close out timelines, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Lion Rangers Programme. The meeting provides an important platform to reflect on progress made and to plan for continued community-based conservation efforts in the region. @kfw_namibia @kfw.de @ministry_of_environment_nam @undpnamibia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP @gizafricanunion Namibian Chamber of Environment Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO @namibia_nature_foundation @namibia_nature_foundation @eif_namibia EIF Namibia @irdnc.namibia Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) @

Join us this Thursday at 09h00 on National FM as we host Ida-Wenona Hendricks, Communications Officer at IRDNC, to unpack the launch of IRDNC’s upcoming Five-Year Strategic Plan. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the future direction of community conservation and what it means for Namibia’s CBNRM sector. - Live on National FM - Thursday, 05 March 2026 - 09h00 AM @kfcnamibia @kfw.de @ministry_of_environment_nam @undpnamibia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP @wwfnamibia WWF Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO

Induction training for the #Aonin (Topnaar) Community Association Management Committee is in full swing. The session is strengthening leadership and governance through key discussions on CBNRM policy and Standard Operating Procedures, the Association’s Constitution, the Benefit Distribution Plan, Financial Management Principles (including staff policy), roles and responsibilities of the Management Committee, current concessions and their implementation, as well as Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) policy, guidelines, and conflict management. Building strong foundations for accountable leadership, sustainable resource management, and resilient community conservation. @kfw_namibia @kfw.de @irdnc.namibia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP GIZ Namibia Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations - NACSO WWF @ministry_of_environment_nam