New tourism concessions to create much-needed jobs

Seven new tourism concessions were created within Namibia’s national parks last year, with a further 11 expected during the current financial year.Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel, in her recent budget motivation, said the concessions support livelihoods, create jobs and generate economic benefits for communities.Daniel said more than 100 jobs have been created through existing and new tourism concessions awarded to communities living in and around state-protected areas.However, she also acknowledged concerns raised in recent months over the concessions.“I am aware that there are specific concessions that have raised some public outcry. However, these matters are receiving attention from the ministry," she noted.Daniel said N$45 million has been allocated to the Protection and Management of Key Species and Natural Habitats Programme for the 2025/26 financial year.The programme supports wildlife monitoring and research to guide the sustainable use and conservation of wildlife species across Namibia.It also focuses on protecting high-value animals such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins, which face extinction due to rising poaching levels.Proactive wildlife management The minister said over the past year, aerial and ground-based wildlife surveys were carried out to assess wildlife populations in selected communal conservancies and state-protected areas.More than 200 black and white rhinos were captured and dehorned as part of efforts to protect them from poachers, she added.To support wildlife-based economic activities in protected areas, conservancies and on freehold land, the ministry translocated 57 animals, including zebras, giraffes and oryx, to various locations.In addition, 240 zebras were moved to selected beneficiaries under the Wildlife Breeding Stock Scheme.

New tourism concessions to create much-needed jobs

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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New tourism concessions to create much-needed jobs

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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