"Our market-based approach to conservation has dramatically altered the mindset of communities from animosity to that of embracing wildlife as a livelihood asset.” - Chris Weaver, Managing Director, Namibia, WWF
Theme: Non-Profit Helps Create a Community-Based Natural Resource Management Program
Project Background:
WWF-Namibia has worked with government, non-profit and private sector partners to expand the communal conservancy movement, whereby communities hold the rights to manage and benefit from their wildlife. Combined with sustainable use practices and partnerships with the adventure travel industry, conservancies have created meaningful financial incentives for local communities to protect wildlife and its habitat.
Project Implementation:
Strategies include the following:
- Development of joint ventures between conservancies and private sector operators for increased ownership and benefit.
- Technical assistance in development of tourism products, management, and marketing at local and national levels.
- Engagement of the global industry to hold its Adventure Travel World Summit in Namibia, where the concept of Conservation Travel based on the Namibian experience was introduced.
Project Outcomes:
The results have been unlike anything on a national scale:
Learn more: Getting Financed: 9 Tips for Community Joint Ventures in Tourism
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