The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism and stakeholders handed over N$37 million in project funding, grants, and equipment to various conservancies in the Zambezi Region.

Of the N$37 million, N$20 million is intended for poverty-oriented support for community conservation, while N$17 million is directed towards community livelihood development and wildlife conflict management.

Two projects are co-financed by Germany and the Namibian government.

"The measures to be financed have been identified in a participatory manner and proposed by the communities themselves. Amongst them, the measures will include the construction of predator-proof kraals to protect livestock from predators and various investments in water infrastructure to reduce the conflict between people and livestock and the threat from crocodiles and elephants as may apply in each conservancy," said Minister Pohamba Shifeta.

Germany's Ambassador to Namibia, Thorsten Hutter, says the grants and equipment are yet another milestone in the two countries' bilateral cooperation.

"Namibia's community-based natural resource management programme is a leading example of rural community empowerment; therefore, the Federal Republic of Germany is proud to be part of the efforts of the Namibia Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism."

While commending the governments of Namibia and Germany for the gesture, the Chairperson of the Zambezi Conservancy Chairperson's Forum, Jerome Lutibezi, emphasised the need to continue addressing increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict.

"This year alone, we have reported six human deaths within the region associated with crocodiles and elephants, together with hippos. It is easy to blame the animals, but sadly, sometimes, as people have actually moved to resettle in elephant corridors in search of more land, we need to come together with all authorities to have holistic solutions to these challenges."

Six conservations also received new boats and an engine replacement for the Impalila Conservancy.