Windhoek
FNB Namibia recently handed over the first grant of N$400 000 to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), N$350 000 of which goes towards the reconstruction of the visitor’s centre that burned down in 2013 while the remainder will be used to support an education programme.
Dixon Norval, Head of Marketing and Communications at FNB Namibia, during the hand-over ceremony said: “FNB Namibia is a leading banking institution within Namibia, and along with this success, a huge responsibility accompanies us as well – to play a part in the communities we operate. As FNB, we value the creation of sustainable wealth for all stakeholders through innovation and empowerment. In line with our FNB value of helpfulness, we agreed to assist the CCF with the continuation of the exemplary work they are doing in conserving the lives of the cheetah.”
Norval added that as part of FNB’s social responsibility towards not only the customers but also the Namibian public in general, the bank also looked after the focus area of environment and education. “One of these projects, of course, is the Cheetah Conservation Fund and we pledge to be part of a 3-year sponsorship obligation towards the CCF, sponsoring N$1.1 million. FNB Namibia is proud to lend its support in making sure the CCF continues with their efforts to impact change and evoke care and compassion for our environment and the beautiful animal they look after.”
Dr Laurie Marker, founder and executive director of the CCF, thanked FNB Namibia for the generous contribution. “With the support of FNB over the next three years, the Cheetah Conservation Fund will be able to continue important environmental education to thousands of Namibian school children, livestock farmers, international students and the local community. Education is an integral part of CCF’s mission. CCF educators offer programmes about cheetahs, their habitat, and a predators role in the ecosystem at CCF’s Research and Education Centre near Otjiwarongo, as well as, visiting schools throughout Namibia, reaching over 25 000 learners annually.
“In addition, CCF offers farmers training in integrated livestock and wildlife management, as well as non-lethal predator mitigation techniques including the use of livestock guarding dogs and income diversification.”
She went on to say that CCF undertakes research on Namibia’s wildlife and its predators including their ecology, behaviour, disease and genetics, and habitat, and more, and train dozens of Namibian and international scientists annually to ensure the survival of the wild cheetah and its ecosystem.