INTERVIEW: Tora Conservancy Invests in Wildlife Conservation and Community Development in Kunene Region

This interview highlights Reginald Roman, Secretary of Tora Conservancy, discussing the various initiatives and partnerships aimed at supporting wildlife conservation, community upliftment, and skill development within the Kunene region’s conservancies. Tora Conservancy, in collaboration with other conservancies and partners like Wilderness Safaris and Gondwana Collection, focuses on conserving natural resources, protecting endangered species, and fostering socio-economic development.

Roman explained that Tora Conservancy has significantly invested in local youth through education and training. This year alone, the conservancy allocated over $350,000 to fund students’ studies, particularly for those unable to secure support through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF). He detailed how they’re crafting policies to optimize study funding and ensure long-term assistance, with plans to establish a structured funding policy next year.

The conservancy also partnered with Homestead Skills and Technical Education Academy to provide hospitality training for young people, preparing them for employment in tourism roles within the region.

Another notable initiative was the recent handover of a clinic building, developed through the partnership with Gondwana Collections and Big Three Conservancies Trust, to the regional government. The representative discussed key conservation and socio-economic initiatives taken by the Community Conservation Fund and local conservancies. These include their Wildlife Credit program, which incentivizes effective wildlife management, especially concerning lion conservation. As a result, they received a substantial performance bonus of $337,000 for 2022 and 2023. This funding is being directed toward community support, addressing human-wildlife conflict, drought impacts, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods by purchasing livestock for affected farmers. A livestock distribution event is set for November 7.

The representative is currently attending the Skeleton Coast Etosha Conservation Bridge Project workshop at the Khorixas NWR Resort, running from October 29 to October 31. This 50-year initiative aims to unite conservancies in developing socio-economic benefits through conservation efforts while protecting landscapes adjacent to parks like Etosha and Skeleton Coast. Planned activities involve zoning reviews to address challenges from mining within rhino conservation zones and advocating for the protection of specific areas from exploration licenses.

The representative outlined a variety of upcoming projects:

1. Environmental Restoration and Off-road Management: A project valued at around $1.1 million aims to block illegal off-road paths, utilizing local youth for labor-intensive conservation efforts.
2. Cultural Homestay Initiative: Conservancies will establish homestays to offer tourists an authentic experience of local cultures, starting with eight households equipped with upgraded sanitation.
3. Renewable Energy Ventures: Wind and solar energy projects are planned to provide alternative energy sources which has consistent winds.
4. Diversifying Income Streams: Beyond tourism and hunting, conservancies will explore green energy solutions and continue advocating for environmental protections to prevent mining in ecologically sensitive zones.

Through these projects, the conservancies seek to balance community development with sustainable conservation, turning challenges like human-wildlife conflicts into eco-tourism opportunities. The representative expressed confidence in ongoing and future collaboration with various conservation and environmental organizations to ensure the success of these initiatives.