What is SKEP Namibia? The programme in context
This programme is part of a global initiative in support of conservation and sustainable development in biodiversity hotspots around the world. Our hotspot is the Succulent Karoo which spans western parts of South Africa and southern Namibia. The larger programme is coordinated in Cape Town by Conservation International, with partners in different subregions of southern Africa running the regional components of the programme. In Namibia the programme is run by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF). Nearly US$ 1 million was allocated by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund to the Namibia component of SKEP in support of conservation and sustainable development activities in the Succulent Karoo. Each subregion has a priority area. Namibia's priority area is the Sperrgebiet.
The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme evolved as a bi-national (South Africa and Namibia) initiative that seeks to develop conservation as a land use. The objectives of the programme are both broad and far reaching. Important areas are identified and actions recommended focusing conservation and development investment on those areas that provide the greatest benefits to biodiversity in the short and long term. Components for a 20-year strategy for achieving vision targets were identified in a decentralised, multi-planning stakeholder process.
In January 2005 the coordination unit for the SKEP office in Namibia was officially moved from Keetmanshoop to Windhoek, to be hosted by the Namibia Nature Foundation. NNF, with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), has taken responsibility for programme implementation in Namibia to achieve the long-term goal that: "biodiversity in the Succulent Karoo ecosystem in Namibia is effectively conserved and managed by the state and civil society through an integrated programme of conservation action and co-management of conservation areas for sustainable development of the region and for improvement of peoples' livelihoods". SKEP Namibia's role is to undertake, promote and support a range of activities for the establishment of a National Park and conservation-friendly activities in the adjacent areas of the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem.
SKEP Vision
"The people of the Succulent Karoo take ownership of and enjoy their unique living landscape in a way that maintains biodiversity and improves livelihoods now and in perpetuity."
The overall vision of the SKEP programme applies to the Succulent Karoo in both South Africa and Namibia. However, with regard to the Namibian priority area, we have a more specific vision.
SKEP Namibia Vision
"Biodiversity in the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem of Namibia is effectively conserved and managed by the state and civil society through an integrated programme of conservation action and co-management for the sustainable development of the region, the national economy and the livelihoods of people."
Where do we work?
The programme works in all areas within the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem. In Namibia this covers the Sperrgebiet up to Lüderitz in the north and extends east beyond the Sperrgebiet boundary to about the Fish River canyon area. Click on the map to see a bigger location map.
What are the aims of SKEP Namibia?
We strive to:
- Improve knowledge on the biodiversity and Succulent Karoo ecosystem in critical areas for conservation management
- Contribute to policy, planning and improved management of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Succulent Karoo, including rehabilitation
- Link improved livelihoods and improved natural resource management in the Succulent Karoo
- Promote public-private partnerships in land and natural resource management for conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the Succulent Karoo, and
- Create awareness and disseminate information on biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods and the importance of the Succulent Karoo
How are we going to do this?
The current project has a time frame up to December 2007, but we anticipate that initiatives and activities will continue beyond this funding phase.
The project has four main components:
- To establish an effective and efficient project management unit to implement the programme
- To support the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to get the Sperrgebiet National Park up and running
- To establish and implement a small grants programme to support civil society to undertake projects within the objectives of SKEP Namibia, and
- To produce 'Best practice' guides to share experiences and disseminate information on the sustainable management and development of the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem
Activities and progress to date
Click here for information on SKEP Namibia activities and outputs to date.
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