Local Enterprise Development in Action – The Namibian Experience - Manuscript

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How can Ecotourism contribute to Poverty Reduction and Conservation Aims. The Namibian Experience Andee Davidson, Oslo May 15th 2007

A partnership between Namibian NGOs & Government

[Note: This paper is an overview of the Namibian CBNRM Program with special reference to the presentation given at the Conference in Oslo, May 2007. Apologies for the summary format] 1. Background For the past thirteen years, Namibia has developed one of the most dynamic and innovative conservation-development movements in the world. This period has produced a number of remarkable achievements, having notable national level impacts with respect to improved natural resources, governance, and rural livelihoods. However, it is recognized by both donors and beneficiaries alike that Namibia’s National Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Program is still in its infancy and that many opportunities and challenges lie ahead. 2. Namibia Development Setting

Namibia acquired its independence from South Africa in 1990. Since independence, Namibia has put in place a stable government, and its excellent infrastructure, combined with a wealth of valuable natural resources, provides excellent long-term development opportunities. However, extreme economic and social disparities exist, with income distribution being among the most unequal in the world.

Namibia Climate arid to semi-arid 823,680 km2 Gained independence in 1990 Per capita GDP $1,614 (2001) Population 1.8 million Top 7% of population accounts for 48% of consumption Gini coefficient of 0.7 26 spoken languages/dialects

The national economy is heavily dependent on the utilization and/or extraction of its rich natural resource base. Mining, at 12%, is recognized as the largest contributor to the GDP, while a rich ocean fishery (10%) and a rapidly growing tourism sector (14.2 %) are regarded as the second and third largest contributors to the GDP. Agriculture contributes slightly less than 6% to the GDP, but plays a major role in rural livelihoods despite the unsuitability of many of the current crop and livestock production practices being applied on much of Namibia’s arid lands.

Land is administered through five tenure systems. Some 43% of Namibia is occupied by freehold (largely white-owned farms) and 42% is communal lands (where the majority of rural Namibians reside). Almost 14% is composed of an internationally-recognized protected park system, while the remaining (less than 1.5%) comprises a restricted mining reserve and urban land. As with income, land distribution is inequitable and the Government of the Republic of Namibian (GRN) is facing serious challenges with the redistribution of land in a socially acceptable and environmentally effective manner.

How can Ecotourism contribute to Poverty Reduction and Conservation Aims

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Local Enterprise Development in Action – The Namibian Experience - Manuscript by The International Ecotourism Society - Issuu