News
Namibia Nature Foundation's 20th birthday celebrations
The Namibia Nature Foundation was established in 1987 as a small but dynamic non-governmental organisation (NGO), not for profit, to promote the conservation and wise management of Namibia's rich natural heritage. When it opened, the NNF had just two staff members and occupied premises provided free of charge by Ohlthaver & List.
Today the NNF has a staff of 25 people, some 10 contract employees, and a number of associate scientists and volunteers. It also has its own office facilities at 76-78 Frans Indongo Street in central Windhoek and runs more than 70 projects and programmes.
The NNF turns 20 this year. We propose to celebrate 20 years of NNF work in Namibia by holding a series of events as follows:
- A house-warming party on 31st October at 76-78 Frans Indongo Street for Board members and close associates
- An end of year function on 22nd November, together with our corporate and donor supporters and partners
- A series of public talks, one evening per week through November, on topical issues that the NNF is involved in – on the following dates: Thursday 1st November, Wednesday 7th, Thursday 15th and Wednesday 28th – all at the Franco-Namibia Cultural Centre
- Media programme via the press, radio and TV
Over the past 20 years the NNF has been a key player in the environment and sustainable development sectors in Namibia, both at the level of influencing policy and turning policy into effective action and outcomes. It has implemented programmes that have effectively linked poverty reduction with conservation objectives, and has worked as a catalyst between government, community, NGO and private sectors. The NNF has initiated, led, coordinated and contributed to a large number of innovative local, national and regional initiatives, including the first survey of elephants across the subcontinent, integrating economics and natural resource issues at national and transboundary levels, internationally recognised integrated river basin programmes, community-based natural resource management initiatives, fund raising and grants making for conservation and sustainable development, conservation and wise use of fragile ecosystems, effective contributions to land reform and resettlement processes, monitoring and protection of rare and endangered species and habitats, national level support to environmental education, combating desertification and promoting appropriate forms of land use (e.g. wildlife & tourism), and many others.
[10 Oct 2007]