With 912,000 ha of communal land, N?a Jaqna Conservancy combines the sustainable management of endemic wildlife and natural resources with the empowerment of Namibia's !Kung San people. (The symbols '?' and '!' represent distinct click sounds unique to Khoisan languages.) Established as a conservancy in 2003, the organization trains local !Kung San as wildlife managers, committee members, and game guards. Objectives include the re-establishment of game populations and sustainable management of forest and woodlands through sound planning, management and monitoring.

The general governance structure for the conservancy, is prescribed by Namibian law as part of its successful Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme. In addition, the N?a Jaqna Conservancy has evolved a highly consultative governance model that matches the unique leadership system of the !Kung San people.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2008

Founded: 2003

Location: Otjozondjup, northeastern Namibia

Beneficiaries: Over 2,650 community members

Biodiversity: 9,120 sq. km. community conservancy

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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