Several organisations have signed Memoranda of Understanding under Namibia for Life - a Project Finance for Permanence initiative aimed at strengthening community-based conservation and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Partners to the agreement are the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia, Namibia Development Trust, Omba Arts Trust, Namibia Nature Foundation and the Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations and IRDNC conservation partners.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Impact Tank Country Manager Peya Brock said the initiative recognises the close relationship between conservation and economic development, emphasising the need to improve economic opportunities for communities living alongside wildlife.

"As Impact Tank, we are fundamentally a livelihood-focused organisation. Our mandate is to improve economic opportunities for underserved communities by addressing barriers to economic participation, strengthening human and enterprise capacity, and developing innovative, sustainable solutions to development challenges. We do not come from a traditional conservation background, and for that reason, we are particularly honoured by the confidence that the conservation community has placed in us."

CCFN Board Member Bernadette Bock said the initiative represents a significant investment in community conservation, with an overall value of approximately N$65 million.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that the resources are managed responsibly and deliver lasting benefits to communities.

The value of the project’s findings in developing a permanent approach lies in its long-term perspective. Predictable funding enables communities and their support organisations to plan ahead, retain essential skills and build on the progress already achieved. Namibia for Life strengthens the existing community-based natural resource management system and the institutions that sustain it.

The initiative is expected to strengthen conservation management and create opportunities for communities to generate sustainable income through nature-based enterprises.