Keys to PA protection are found in
Namibia’s legal and human resources

Legislation, policies and regulations that encourage sustainable management of Namibia’s natural resources, protect biodiversity and contribute to equitable economic and social development are being developed by the GEF-funded Strengthening the Protected Area Network project (SPAN).

A fragmented policy framework and weak institutional and human capacities were among the identified barriers to existing management effectiveness in the country’s PA system. In its first year of operation the project has already provided technical and financial support to the drafting and consultation of three policy initiatives and headed the task force finalizing a new Parks and Wildlife Management Bill.

SPAN provided technical and financial support to the consultative process for the Policy on Tourism and Wildlife Concession on State Land approved by the Cabinet in June 2007. It also helped develop a draft Human Wildlife Conflict Management (HWCM) policy, along with a standardized HWC reporting format and, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and communities, a National Policy on Protected Areas, Neighbours and Resident People.

SPAN, which took advantage of the launching of the Etosha National Park centenary celebrations in March this year to mobilize support to fast-track enactment of the new PWM bill, is also working to improve management planning, and allow PA managers to adopt good practices suited to local social, economic and ecological needs and gear their operations to threat remediation and through capacity building.

The project has developed a training plan for the Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management and already conducted courses on carnivore immobilization and GIS training. Other specialized training and capacity-building courses have included collaborative PA management, development of strategic and park management plans and law enforcement.

Field staff have been provided with training in first aid and rescue, 4x4 off-road driving and vehicle maintenance and, in order to promote staff innovations and creativity incentive mechanisms including a field staff award scheme and a Park Innovation Grant have been launched.

SPAN’s future plans to build institutional and research capacity include facilitating research, developing a national database of PAs, and encourage active networking between neighbouring, PAs through field demonstration sites, e-mails and newsletters. It will also raise funding for long-term diploma and degree courses and establish a Friends of Namibian PAs Society to canvass support from private citizens and businesses.