Project Detail

Community-Based Ecotourism and Natural Resource Conservation/Management at Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy

The overall goal of the project, in view of the increasing pressue use of freshwater resources, is to support community-based livelihood alternatives to relieve pressure on conservation and protected areas which conserve freshwater biodiversity through human development and capacity building for the Kavango River Basin.

The grantee has erected infrastructure for four Mbamba campsites as an initiative of the Joseph Mbambangandu conservancy.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy

Country:

Namibia

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

Phase 3

Grant Amount:

US$ 39,694.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 36,383.79

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 4,710.89

Project Number:

NAM-05-04

Start Date:

9/2005

End Date:

9/2006

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Project sustainability

All the objectives were achieved and the project has employed fulltime staff. Similar plans are underway to establish community campsites in the conservancy areas of Tare, Manyondo, Khaudum and Sikerete which will link the Kavango Tourism Route as proposed by the Kavango Tourism Forum.

Capacity - Building Component

During the construction phase 10 people benefited (3 women and 7 men) while all registered conservancy members will benefit from the project once it has generated enough funds. An HIV and AIDS corner at the campsite may increase awareness about the danger of the disease. Thatched grass was purchased by a few community members living with HIV/AIDS.

Gender Focus

More than 20 women benefited by selling thatching grass. Seven were women were employed temporarily on site.

Notable Community Participation

The process of construction included approximately 20 community members. Materials were secured locally, especially thatching grass for roofs, purchased from women of the Mashare community. Quotations from community member Mr. Joseph Lipange, ?The project has changed my life now I understand the concept of community-based tourism and now I know the difference between a tourist and a community member. I also helped me start identifying birds after attending a bird-guide course hosted here at the campsite.?

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The project continues to increase public awareness and knowledge on the value and sustainable use of freshwater resources and biodiversity.It has strengthened international collaboration that was established by the Every River Project through out the Okavango River Basin system from Angola via Namibia up to the Botswana Delta using Community-Based Approach methods. The project will continue to serve as a community-based campsite that promotes environmental education, training and biodiversity protection and sustainable management of the Kavango River Basin and its freshwater resources and ecosystems.

Linkages gef projects

linked to ICEMA

Project Results

Key Outcomes are 1. Diversifed livelihoods for the local people residing in the zone areas of the project?s care focal area. 2. Strengthened conservation activities built through the Every River Project along the Kavango River 3. Capacity building of the rural people in sustainable harvesting of freshwater resources and woodlands using traditional knowledge and skills. 4. Intensified campaigns on combating HIV/AIDS and gender equality among the communities. 5. Community-campsite that will attract tourism in the area.

Currently, the campsites are fully operational, employing a campsite manager and four fulltime staff members.

See attached 'Note 1-2' for campsite details and lessons learned.

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