Conservancies in both the ||Kharas and Hardap regions are reflecting on the extent to which the Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) model has contributed to improving livelihood and protecting the environment.

The conservancies convened for the two-day workshop, facilitated by the Namibia Development Trust (NDT) in Keetmanshoop, to take stock of the model's impact. 

The CBNRM model empowers local communities to manage and derive benefits from their natural resources, fostering both conservation and economic development.

Ronny Dempers, the Executive Director at NDT, explained that "The main focus is also really for these different conservancy associations to be able to learn from each other. Years back, these conservancies also formed an association, which will serve as a voice on issues that are affecting them."

Dempers highlighted a lack of income and business opportunities as some of the key challenges that conservancies face.