Funding Conservation for Eternity

Skeleton Coast-Etosha Conservation Bridge, Namibia

A unique example of community conservation in action, Skeleton Coast-Etosha Conservation Bridge links habitats, allows Namibian wildlife to move freely, and supports livelihoods.

Funds disbursed

million USD

Funding year

of 50+ years

Program area

km squared

Skeleton Coast-Etosha in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia is a conservation bridge that passes through several conserved areas, connects two national parks and embraces the first “People’s Parks” – a new conservation category that expands the formalization of community conservation. The region, renowned for its unique biodiversity and exceptionally high species variety, is home to 14 local communal conservancies.

LLF’s perpetual grant of one million USD per year over 50+ years will contribute to ensuring species population connectivity through wildlife corridors, climate resilience in the region, and protection of key vulnerable fauna such as the black rhino, lion, and giraffe.

IUCN Category II – National Park and Nature Reserves

Tourism Concession Area de facto (effectively) – IUCN Category II

IUCN Category II – equivalently managed People’s Parks

Conservancies

Country
Namibia
IUCN Category
IUCN Category II (National Park, Nature Reserve), Tourism Concession Areas
Ecosystem type
Desert, savannas, ergs
Key species
Lichens, Welwitschia mirabilis, fur seals, Dune Lark, Damara tern, arid-adapted or desert elephants, black rhinoceros, lion, giraffe, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, brown hyena
Conservation and climate relevance
70% zoned as Special Value, part of Iona-Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Park
Implementing partner(s)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Namibia, Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC)
Governmental partner(s)
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)
Grant type
Perpetual
Match funder
Rob Walton Foundation

Program in brief

Activities

Increase landscape connectivity and secure important wildlife corridors by developing a landscape approach to management and sustainable tourism
Support the establishment of the Ombonde People’s Parks and other proposed People’s Parks
Prevent landscape and habitat degradation through improved management and enforcement of tourism and mining regulations
Conduct biodiversity monitoring and support wildlife protection
Support the diversification of income generative activities through exploration of local value chain opportunities and expanding the PES/wildlife credits initiative

Conservation challenges

Climate change and aridification
Alien invasive plants
Pressure on small populations of rare species from wildlife crime
Human-wildlife conflict
Abandoned small mines
Risk of encroachment from unsustainable development including mining and tourism operations

For information on this landscape’s Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD)

Field Insights

"For me, I was born here, grown up here, I know the living standard of the people. This is why LLF inspires me because I know it will bring changes to the people of these conservancies. The child of my child of my child will be better than we used to be.”

"This land was passed down to us from our forefathers. It is important that we protect it and pass it on for generations to come. Our vision for the land is simple – it is to create job opportunities and to look after the wildlife. We are realizing that vision."

"The conservancy structure helps us to share land with wildlife. We must conserve wildlife, and women have to be a part of this. Women are strong. When we take up something, we take it with both hands."

"As Namibians, we are the engineers and architects of conservation. We have done things that no other country in this world has done before. We have secured wildlife species that went extinct in other countries. They live outside protected areas and are free roaming in their natural habitats. This is the future that we want to maintain ... It’s a victory for us to see local communities are putting more land aside for conservation purposes."

"Wildlife plays those roles in people’s cultures and traditions. Whatever you are walking in the field, an animal will appear that will send a message. If you see an elephant, it is a sign of good luck. For them to make decisions over how they want to see their land managed is the best way. We need to make decisions to make sure we use our resources for the long-term."

"The Skeleton Coast-Etosha Conservation Bridge builds on existing connections in the landscape, promotes sustainable resource use, and protects corridors that are vital to wildlife movement, while also providing local communities with economic opportunities. The project provides a unique opportunity for building stronger partnerships, with government, NGOs, and local communities at the heart of it."

"The Skeleton Coast-Etosha Conservation Bridge will enable us to restore a conservation landscape envisaged over a century ago when Game Reserve No. 2 was proclaimed in 1907 (and subsequent boundary adjustments). The captivating scenic beauty, the special and unique diversity of fauna and flora, and the extraordinary people who are the custodians of these natural assets, make this not only a national, but also a global treasure."

Funding Conservation for Eternity

Skeleton Coast-Etosha Conservation Bridge, Namibia

Funding year

Program in brief

Field Insights

Gallery

Partners

WWF

IRDNC

Rob Walton Foundation

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