Various community members, including traditional leaders and other key stakeholders from Aminuis, engaged the Ozonahi Conservancy leadership on how to establish the communal conservancy and a forest.
The group is on a week-long benchmarking visit in the Otjozondjupa and Kunene regions.
Speaking at the official opening of the engagement session at Okakarara, the constituency councillor, Uzeraije Tjaverua, stressed that it will be required of the Aminuis residents to work together and lay a strong foundation before establishing a conservancy.
"I fully support your idea. However, it is essential to remember that when dealing with development, we must not overlook the role of traditional leadership. The land belongs to them, and the community is also under their guidance; therefore, recognising their involvement will contribute to the success of your project."
The Chairperson of Ozonahi Conservancy, Tjijeura Uazukuani, touched on the importance of setting up boundaries when establishing the conservancy and having more awareness campaigns before they commenced.
Uazukuani reminded the interim committee about the distribution of the benefits derived from the conservancy.
An interim committee member, Brian Riruako, said the engagement was an eye-opener.
Riruako added that after the visit, the team will compile a comprehensive report that will be given to the Omaheke regional council through the constituency office.
"We are in Okakarara, where we are observing the Ozonahi Association and exploring how they began, what their challenges are, and what achievements they have made. We chose to focus on them before Kunene because the vegetation in Aminuis and Okakarara is similar. Okakarara borders the Waterberg Park, allowing animals to migrate from there, which can lead to a standstill in the area, as many residents rely on cattle farming."
Okakarara resident Richard Mungendje stated, "When it comes to wildlife conflict, people in Okakarara or the Otjozondjupa region have learned a great deal, especially about resolving issues between humans and animals. This knowledge is very important to us and marks a significant milestone for us as beginners. We are eager to learn from these individuals."