Namibia shows how communities can protect nature and boost livelihoods

Namibia stands at a critical juncture, where conservation, industrial growth and community development must be carefully balanced to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress.Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel said this during the National Conference on Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) this week.Speaking to delegates under the theme “Enhancing Governance for Optimised Community Benefits", Daniel highlighted Namibia’s CBNRM programme as one of the country’s most successful conservation and development initiatives.“CBNRM is a global example of how rural communities can sustainably manage natural resources while unlocking economic and tourism opportunities,” she said.Currently, Namibia has 87 registered conservancies and 48 community forests, covering over 186 000 square kilometres, roughly 60.7% of all communal land.They are supporting an estimated 244 587 residents.In 2025, communal conservancies generated over N$109 million, reflecting their growing contribution to both conservation and local livelihoods.Landmark programmeDaniel said the programme traces its roots to the 1980s, when traditional leaders and local communities united to combat poaching. Over the decades, it has evolved into a nationally recognised, government-supported initiative that now safeguards biodiversity, creates jobs, generates income and improves livelihoods.“The success of CBNRM demonstrates that conservation and development are not opposing forces but mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable growth,” Daniel said, noting the recovery of iconic species such as elephants, cheetahs and black rhinos.However, she warned that success should not breed complacency.Challenges persist, including weak governance and accountability in some conservancies, uneven benefit distribution, human-wildlife conflict and external pressures against Namibia’s science-based hunting practices.“Communities must see real, tangible benefits from conservancies, and governance must be strengthened where it is weak,” Daniel said. “Our policies must remain grounded in science, evidence and national interest.”She stressed the programme’s achievements are built on strong partnerships between government, communities, civil society, the private sector and traditional authorities – a model other countries could emulate.

Namibia shows how communities can protect nature and boost livelihoods

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-11

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Namibia shows how communities can protect nature and boost livelihoods

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-11

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