After three years of program implementation, Iona legacy landscape made significant progress in advancing fundamental environmental and social action plan (ESAP) measures and enhancing provisions for environmental and social safeguards. 41% of foreseen ESAP measures are well in progress, 32% have been implemented, 18% have been initiated, and 9% are delayed. Delays mainly relate to human resources due to recruitment difficulties and to the development of cultural heritage procedures, which are part of the still ongoing consultations for land use planning.
Improved stakeholder engagement
- The socio-economic survey conducted in December 2022, which targeted over 6500 residents within Iona National Park’s area of influence, was integrated into Iona’s stakeholder engagement plan (SEP). The SEP is currently under revision by Iona’s park manager and park administrator with finalization expected before the end of 2025.
- In November 2024, the Iona National Park advisory committee was established to ensure that local stakeholders have a formal platform for shaping park management decisions. Comprised of 30 members— including three traditional community leaders, local authorities, local NGOs, the University of Namibe, a women’s focal group, and a craft association— the committee reflects a wide array of community interests. With the vice governor of Namibe as the president and the park administrator as secretary, its purpose is to serve as a platform for exchanging information, coordinating activities, and come up with recommendations that can be taken to the Supervisory committee which is the highest decisive body of Iona National Park. The advisory committee has had two meetings thus far, and the park management unit envisions the committee will play a key role in collaborative decision-making moving forward.
- Iona National Park recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mandume Ya Ndemufayo University and is finalising a second agreement with Namibe University. Both partnerships are designed to foster collaborative research and support the academic and professional development of local students and faculty. Of particular significance is our active role in the first-ever International Master’s Programme in Biodiversity, Genetics and Conservation—a joint initiative between the University of Porto (Portugal) and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo University (Angola).
Environmental and social management framework
- Basic emergency first aid responder (BEFAR) training was completed by 90 staff members across all departments, with 20 staff members additionally completing intermediate emergency first responder training.
- The community health and safety risk assessment ool was developed and implemented.
Free prior and informed consent
- A program-level FPIC protocol was completed to guide all decisions and activities that may affect local communities within or adjacent to Iona.
- The Herero cultural engagement plan was developed to establish a culturally respectful, participatory framework for engaging Herero communities to ensure traditional values, land-use practices, and knowledge systems are recognized and integrated into park governance.
Access restriction mitigation & livelihood support
- Iona National Park in collaboration with the Government of Angola have engaged a consultant to work on the is a comprehensive document under development that outlines how land is used by both humans and wildlife within a protected area. The first phase of stakeholder engagement is finalized, and the consultant has shared the first version of the proposed zonation of Iona National Park, which is currently being revised by the PMU. It is believed that, upon finalization and agreement, this document will guide future park’s management, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding local wellbeing and preserving culturally significant areas, including sacred sites, while ensuring that biodiversity thrives too.
- Therefore, the main emphases of this document, underlines balancing the needs of humans and wildlife in a landscape where water and other resources are scarce.
- The Ovakande Homahere milk producer association was established, composed of 10 Ovahimba women from the Montenegro community, enhancing women’s income-generating opportunities and supporting gender equality.
- Two new wildlife clubs were established, thus a total of 4 clubs, with a total of 74 students participating.
- Five community members are benefitting from vocational training support at Pediva headquarters, in the workshop and infrastructure area.
- Approximately 260 students at two primary schools receive school meals each lunch, with additional support provided to schools for gardens to improve their school meal programs
Grievance resolution mechanism
- INP’s grievance resolution mechanism was finalized and implemented. Operated by a dedicated committee of AP personnel, it provides multiple, accessible channels for stakeholders to communicate concerns, including seven suggestion boxes in seven park locations, twenty rights observers, local chiefs, African Park’s safeguards officer, and a dedicated phone line (which takes calls, SMS texts, and WhatsApp messages).
Biodiversity conservation
- A total of 24 giraffes were translocated to Iona from Namibe between 2023 and 2024, with 20 giraffes surviving to date.
- Feasibility studies, including community consultations for the reintroduction of rhinoceros, lions, and elephants, were conducted and are under review.
- Continuous tracking of collared wildlife, including cheetah, springbok, oryx, and others, has allowed for increased understanding of wildlife activity in the park.