Rudolf Gaiseb
The Namibian Association of Community-Based Natural Resources Management of Support Organisations officially launched the National Communal Conservancies and Community Forest Alliance on 1 October 2024 in Windhoek under the theme ‘Sustainable Natural Resources Management’.
The alliance’s chairperson, Thomas Muronga, said it is formed to be the umbrella organisation for the regional communal conservancies and community forests in Namibia, as well as any other natural resources management organisations that choose to become a member of this alliance.
“Besides acting as a representative voice of the conservancies, community forests and other community-based natural resources’ management institutions on issues affecting them through facilitation of annual platforms and activities, prepare and present policy propositions and other positions and presentations at strategic policy-level platforms.
“It will strengthen regional communal conservancies and community forest associations and forums, playing its role effectively as a voice on community-based natural resources management matters.
“It will monitor and promote good governance and compliance amongst natural resources users, monitor quality service provision to conservancies, community forests and other community-based natural resources management institutions and facilitate, as appropriate, conflict prevention and conflict management processes within conservancies and community forests on request by the members,” he remarked.
He said the alliance consists of all regional conservancies, community forest associations and similar organisations operating at the regional level involved in the promotion and management of natural resources.
These include, but are not limited to, waterpoint committees, grazing committees, fish reserves, Devils Claw harvesters, craft producers, women in conservation movements and others who are encouraged to apply for membership through the existing regional conservancy and community forest associations.
He advised citizens to refrain from practising illegal activities, such as illegal fencing, illegal grazing, sand mining, poaching, wildfires and illegal harvesting of timber.
“The country needs support from all stakeholders through enhancing conservation messages to mass groups, implementing laws accordingly, assisting us through marketing, and helping us with needed training,” he noted.
Chairperson of the association Selma Lendelvo said the organisation will continue to offer its full support to the alliance, just as it has done since the early stages of its formation.
“This alliance not only represents a commitment to the sustainable management of communal conservancies and community forests, but also signifies a shared vision to empower our communities and preserve our natural resources for generations to come,” she said.
She stated that they have been playing a meaningful role in mentoring leadership, and ensuring a positive working relationship between the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, as well as other partners.
This collaborative effort is essential for driving sustainable development and effective natural resources management across communities.
She underscored: “The coalition is not just the establishment of this alliance, but also the fact that it truly represents the voice of the people at the grassroots level. It is through this alliance that we can ensure that local perspectives, needs and aspirations are heard and taken into account in the management of our communal resources”.
Other partners and donors include the World Wildlife Fund, Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, Community Conservation Fund of Namibia, and Community Leaders Network of Namibia.
The board consists of 20 members.