National conservancy alliance launched for natural resource conservancy

The Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN) says 42% of Namibia’s land is designated for conservancies, the largest percentage in the world.

CCFN chief executive Tapiwa Kapiwa says Namibia’s community conservancies, owning 21% of conservation land, is a testament to the effective self-governance of its people.

“The fact that Namibia conservancy’s is high up there with 42% is a sign that the people can take care of their own natural resources and conservation,” he says.

Kapiwa was speaking at the official launch of the Namibia Communal Conservancies and Community Forest Alliance (NCCFA) in Windhoek on Tuesday.

Kapiwa said the formation of NCCFA will ensure the right policies in conservation are undertaken, benefitting the conservancy members.

He said for the success to continue, it is important to hear the voices of community members and learn from each other.

The newly appointed chairperson of NCCFA, Thomas Muronga, said the association serves as an umbrella for natural resource management organisations.

Muronga said the goal is to help communities sustainably manage the resources found within their communities and preserve the ecosystems for future generations.

“The regional associations, through their conservancies and community forests, will support cultural practices, sell local products to tourists and promote cultural exchange,” he added.

Muronga said waterpoint committees, grazing committees, fish reserves, devils claw harvesters, craft producers, and women in conservation movements will benefit from the association.

“The country needs support through enhancing conservation messages to mass groups, implementing laws and helping us with needed training to achieve our developmental goals and protect our ecosystem,” he added.

Community-based natural resource management researcher Selma Lendelvo says the formation of NCCFA will mean non governmental organisation will not be required to represent community members on matters of the conversation in their own communities.