Projects

Britta Hackenberg
Senior Technical Advisor | Management & Projects
Britta Hackenberg holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Forestry and Land Management and a number of certificates in various aspects of participatory planning and appraisals. Her specific experience includes technical advisory skills in CBNRM, land-use planning, and community forests; land rights and tenure systems; developing Forest Management Plans. In addition, she has extensive project management experience in the field of land management, community-based natural resource management, marine, and freshwater fisheries, and ecosystem services. Britta has now taken over managing the Community Fisheries Program and is the liaison officer for KAZA.
Britta is based at the Windhoek office

Allen Jiji
Senior Regional Project Coordinator | CBNRM Projects
Allen is based at the Rundu office.

Mirja Stoldt
Technical Coordinator | Technical Services and Climate Change Projects
Mirja holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from the Berlin School of Economics and Law (Germany) and the ESC Rennes School of Business (France) as well as a Master of Science in Integrated Natural Resource Management from the Humboldt University Berlin, where she specialized in land and water, as well as biodiversity and conservation management. She enjoys scientific research, field studies, and project-orientated work and loves to work with a vibrant team dedicating their energy toward the conservation of natural resources and the empowerment of people. Mirja joined the NNF as a trainee in January 2019 before becoming an Assistant Project Coordinator providing technical support to the director.
Mirja is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Ingrid Hakalume
Sustainable Biomass Project Coordinator | Technical Services and Climate Change Projects
Ingrid obtained both her bachelor's and an honors degree in Natural resources management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. She began her career working at the B2Gold game farm where she conducted research on veld management as well as environmental education with school groups from Otavi and Otjiwarongo. She was then employed as an intern at the City of Windhoek’s Solid waste department where she conducted research on waste management, finding sustainable solutions to reduce waste to landfill. The project was part of a municipal climate partnership between the City of Windhoek and the municipality of Bremen in Germany other duties were, waste education at schools and in the communities and licensing, registration and inspection of waste transporters and waste generators in Windhoek. She also holds a Safety and Health Management Training Course (SAMTRAC) qualification in the field of health and safety from Sheq 24/7 Training & Accreditation. Ingrid has a keen interest in environmental education and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and swimming.
Ingrid is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Nabot Mbeeli
Senior Coordinator | CBNRM Projects
Nabot has a background in environmental education, community engagement, and research with communities in the south, particularly the Hardap region, and the central north regions of Namibia, working on environmental awareness, sustainability, and climate change adaptation. He joined NNF in July 2017 as an intern and worked his way up to become a Project Coordinator. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Environmental Biology and Geology from the University of Namibia (UNAM), and a Master's Degree in Natural Resources Management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). He is passionate about nature and enjoys working with the culturally rich and diverse communities of Namibia. He is responsible for CBNRM in the Omaheke region, supporting sustainable Devil's Claw harvesting in the region. He is also leading the NamPower - NNF Strategic Partnership.
Nabot is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

John Hazam
Senior Technical Advisor | CBNRM Projects
John has more than 45 years of experience in African Wildlife and has worked in over 5 countries for Government Wildlife Departments, Environmental NGOs, and Private Sector. He holds a BSc in Natural Resources and an MSc in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He enjoys taking nature walks, and reading historical, detective novels, and considers himself a sports fan. On top of that, John has a keen interest in languages as he considers it a window into understanding cultures.
John is based at the Windhoek Head Office.
Carolin Mutorwa
Senior Technical Advisor | CBNRM Projects
Carolin holds a Master’s Degree in Biodiversity Management and Research and is passionate about the complexity of combining biodiversity conservation and economic-social development. Carolin has over 8 years of working experience in project management and project design. She has worked on various issues connected to climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and natural-based value chain development as a technical advisor within the community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) program in Namibia. Since 2021 she has been a senior technical advisor on nature conservation and resource management on terrestrial and marine projects.
Carolin is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Ailla-Tessa Iiyambula
Assistant Project Coordinator | CBNRM Projects
Ailla-Tessa Iiyambula started her Natural Resources Management Journey in 2014 with NUST. She attained her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in the same field. Ailla is a researcher at heart, she conducted various studies on; insectivorous bats of the Namib Desert, Waterberg’s Roan and Sable antelope distribution, and Human-Carnivore Conflict in Northern Kunene Conservancies. She worked on the development and implementation of climate change resilience and adaptation projects as a UN National Volunteer. Growing her career, she volunteered with the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism working directly on wildlife crimes, problem animal management, and large carnivores in captivity. She has been involved in various outdoor environmental education activities and activism as a student. She is a custodian of the environment.
Tessa is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Peter Erb
Technical Advisor | Combatting Wildlife Crime Projects
Peter holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Stellenbosch. Peter has 35 years of experience working in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism as a scientist and manager in conservation areas, but also in the head office. The work experience also includes managing research projects as part of a regional research network SASSCAL. Currently, Peter heads the combatting wildlife crime portfolio at the NNF. He enjoys documenting Namibian biodiversity with a camera. Focal interests over the years have included roan antelope, black rhino, lizards, and lately Blues – this being a group of relatively small butterflies.
Peter is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Rachel Du Raan
Senior Project Coordinator | Combatting Wildlife Crime Projects
Rachel Du Raan has an Honours Degree in Environmental Studies, with a specialization in Human-Wildlife Conflict. She gained early experience in developing conservation models for sustainable ‘predator-friendly’ habitat management, large carnivore Human-Wildlife conflict mitigation, and species research (African Wild Dog). She went on to project manage for multiple exploration drilling companies working in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Namib Naukluft park, to ensure compliance with National and International Industry Standards, creating environmental planning and monitoring systems for ecological protection and recovery and contributing to the development of industry best practice. Rachel has a passion for Environmental Education and sharing stories of interaction with the natural world. She has developed and implemented a field-based curriculum linked to environmental education programs in Namibia and in Chad, including the creative design and illustration of resources, and contributed to Namibia’s “Policy for Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development” and industry best Practices within the Environmental Practitioner Community.
Rachel is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Clemens Naomab
Senior Regional Project Coordinator | Combatting Wildlife Crime Projects
Clemens studied Environmental Biology and Molecular Physiological Biology at the University of Namibia. His main responsibility as Regional Project Coordinator is to provide Administrative, Logistical & Technical support to the targeted conservancies under various donor-funded CBNRM support projects in the South Kunene and Erongo Regions. Previously Clemens worked as an Albatross Task Force (ATF) project coordinator and was responsible for advancing policy changes in Namibian fisheries to bring Namibia in line with current best practices for avoiding or reducing seabird bycatch in fishing operations. He is passionate about rural woman empowerment and community development. Hobbies: Playing football and Nature walks.
Clemens is based at the Swakopmund office.

Samantha Matjila
Senior Coordinator | Marine Projects
Samantha studied Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Namibia (2011) and completed her Master's in Animal Sciences (study on snoek [Thyrsites atun] quality) at Stellenbosch University (2015). She started working for the NNF in May 2016 as an Albatross Task Force (ATF) Instructor conducting at-sea activities by monitoring and collecting seabird bycatch data. Her work also included creating awareness among the fishing crew, school children, and the public on the importance of protecting and conserving seabirds and providing training to fisheries observers and inspectors. Samantha then moved to Albatross Task Force Coordinator in 2018 and has now moved to start taking on the Marine Coordinator role still working on ATF as well as a project on securing a management plan for the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area (NIMPA). Samantha is well versed in the operations and functioning of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and has been well exposed to international aspects of marine conservation.
Samantha is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Titus Shaanika
Albatross Task Force Coordinator | Marine Projects
Titus holds a Masters's in Zoology. He previously worked as a consultant with the NNF and ATF in 2015. His current role with the Albatross Task Force (ATF) Namibia project started in February 2018. He is based in Swakopmund as an ATF Instructor. His work entails monitoring seabird bycatch within the Namibian demersal hake trawl and longline fleet, testing, and demonstrating mitigation measures to reduce seabird bycatch with the fishing companies and fishery as a whole.
Titus is based at the Swakopmund office.

Priskilla Nghaangulwa
Albatross Task Force Instructor | Marine Projects
Priskilla Nghaangulwa is an Environmental Biology graduate from the University of Namibia, who is currently pursuing an MSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Science. Because of her great passion for conservation, Priskilla joined NNF (ATF) as a seabird bycatch mitigation instructor. Priskilla, is also one of the four Benguela Current Convention Youth Ambassadors representing Namibia. She represents Namibia at both regional as well as international levels in the field of marine biology. Priskilla believes the ocean needs us as we need it most, which is why she is dedicated to protecting, conserve as well as rehabilitate the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem.
Priskilla is based at the Swakopmund office.

Hayley Brand
Namibia Sharks and Rays Project Research Assistant | Marine Projects
Hayley started working at the NNF as a Research Assistant for the Namibia Sharks and Rays project in 2022. Before joining the NNF she worked as a SCUBA diving instructor for two years. She holds an honours degree in Environmental Science and a master's degree in Tropical Marine Biology. Hayley enjoys surfing and SCUBA diving and during her free time, dives into the National Marine Aquarium to feed the fishes.
Hayley is based at the Swakopmund office.

Veikko Nghilokwavali Hainana
Livelihood Support Officer | Marine Projects
Veikko joined NNF as the Livelihood support officer under the NIMPA+ Project. He holds a degree in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Namibia. He worked at KAYEC Trust Ondangwa as a Trainer for Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and First Aid from September 2021 to June 2023. Before that, he worked at COSDEC Omaheke as a trainer for First Aid and Workplace Health & Safety from September 2020 to March 2021. Veikko is passionate about livelihoods and Community Development and he enjoys watching and playing soccer.
Veikko is based at the Lüderitz office.

Mareike Voigts
Senior Technical Advisor | Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Agriculture Projects
Mareike started her studies in Witzenhausen (University of Kassel) in 2007, during her studies she conducted a group project of planning biodynamic cultivation of Vine, olives, and lavender on a farm near Bredarsdorp South Africa. Mareike holds an MSC in Sustainable International Agriculture (Universities of Kassel and Göttingen) where she received the Hans-H.-Ruthenberg Prize of the Fiat Panis Foundation. During her time at the University of Kassel, she worked for the German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture as a research assistant and in conference coordination. She started working for the certification body CERES as an evaluation officer and later as country coordinator (Southern Africa and Tunisia) and inspector in June 2015. In January 2016 she and her family moved to the Farm Krumhuk in Namibia, where she started to get involved in farm management. Mareike has now taken over Project Management of the Knowledge Center for Organic Agriculture in Namibia, implemented by NNF.
Mareike Voigts is based at the Windhoek Head office.

Vera Corry
Project Support Officer | Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Agriculture Projects
Vera Corry joins the team as the With an academic background in ecology and experience in working for conservation NGOs in remote areas in Zambia and Malawi, Vera brings a broad knowledge and expertise in managing project activities, as well as an understanding of challenges and work in rural communities. While Vera does not come from a formal background in agriculture, she brings with her a passion for organic and regenerative agriculture and a passion for protecting the environment through good agricultural practices.
Vera Corry is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Vasco Samwaka
Field Coordinator | Conservation Agriculture Projects
Vasco joined the NNF in 2015 as a field coordinator for the WWF Conservation Agriculture project. He has over 10 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and community project management and implementation. Vasco also has knowledge of Indigenous Natural Products (INP), using Management Orientation Monitoring System (MOMS). He holds a certificate in Conservation Agriculture (CA) and a National Diploma in Lifelong Learning and Community Education from UNAM. His main responsibilities at the NNF are to coordinate conservation agriculture activities and report to the Director of Projects. He enjoys fishing and watching soccer.
Vasco is based at the Kongola office, in the Zambezi Region.

Sarlotte Kalenga
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer | Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Agriculture Projects
Holding an Honours degree in Geo-Information Technology from Polytechnic of Namibia, an Honours degree in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town, and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental and Geographical Science, Sarlotte's academic journey reflects her passion for blending technology and environmental stewardship. With over 8 years of expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data management, Sarlotte seamlessly transitioned to M&E in 2020. Her role involves crafting and implementing M&E frameworks and working closely with teams from different projects to improve and strengthen program performance.
Sarlotte is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Rakel Johannes
Project Trainee | Sustainable Agriculture Projects
Rakel has recently joined the team as a Sustainable Agriculture Project Trainee for the Knowledge Hub for Southern Africa (KHSA) at the NNF and an administrator for a project between NNF and Namibia Organics Association (NOA). She holds an honors degree in Agricultural Economics and is a Youth African Leadership Initiative (YALI) alumna for Southern Africa. Rakel has a background in statistics and data analysis and previously interned at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform as an Agrobusiness Analyst. She is passionate about growing exotic fruits in a sustainable manner.
Rakel is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Phillip Geuse
SDC Assistant Project Coordinator | Conservation Agriculture Projects
Phillip studied at the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre in 2018 and obtained a National Vocational Certificate in Agriculture specializing in horticulture and crop husbandry. He worked at GIZ as a supervisor and translator from the international language to the local language under a Conservation Agriculture project in Bwabwata National Park. Phillip enjoys playing soccer and gardening.
Tanaka is based at the Katima Mulilo office, in the Zambezi Region.

Johannes Katjana
Project Trainee | Conservation Agriculture Projects
Johannes Katjana holds a Masters's Degree in Agribusiness Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). During his time at the university, he works as an intent for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to promote Conservation Agriculture. He also worked for NUST as an assistant researcher and World Food program to conduct home grown feeding program. He joined NNF in October 2021 to support the implementation of agriculture activities in the Kavango region.
Johannes is based at the Rundu office, in the Kavango East region

Benitto Ndana
Project Trainee | Conservation Agriculture Projects
Benitto Ndana is a project trainee under the KAZA ARISE project in the Zambezi region. Benitto, holds a diploma in Animal Health, and an honors degree in Wildlife Management and Ecotourism both from the University of Namibia, and currently doing his master’s degree in Wildlife Management with a focus on Entomology. Benitto, has experience in animal health, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation research.
Benitto is based at the Kongola office, in the Zambezi Region.

Alice Limani Poniso
Assistant Project Coordinator | Forestry Projects
Alice Limani Poniso is a graduate student with experience in socio-environmental issues who began working voluntarily with communities during her pre-post university years which has been the guiding light in her career choices thus far. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Environmental Science ( Hons ) and a Higher Diploma in Natural Resource Management from the University of Namibia, currently pursuing her MSc in Wildlife Management with a focal emphasis on governance of the Common Pool Resource ( CPR ). She has a keen interest and focuses on socio-environmental issues, governance, biodiversity, and environmental protection. As a projects trainee of the NNF, she is working on project-related activities with project Coordinators and consultants on projects pertaining to CBNRM ( Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries). She envisions capitalizing on the above interests to achieve her goals in conservation as an avid researcher, practitioner, and environmentalist during her stay with the NNF.
Alice is based at the Windhoek Head Office.

Kaino Shilume
Forestry Field Coordinator | Forestry Projects
Kaino works with Community Forests in Mudumu North Complex on the Sustainable Forestry Project. She holds a Master of Science in Agriculture (Specialised in Integrated Environmental Science; thesis on Forest Management), a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Environmental Science (Specialised in Forestry), and a Higher Diploma in Natural Resources Management, from the University of Namibia. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Occupational Safety, and Health (OSH), from Namibia Training Authority. Kaino joined NNF from Eudafano Women’s Cooperative where she worked as Junior Project Coordinator on Bio-Innovation Africa (BIA) Project. However, she previously worked for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ-Namibia) as a Junior Technical Advisor on the component of Sustainable harvesting, Utilization, and Value chains development from woody biomass in bush encroached areas, Sustainable Forest, and Rangeland Management. She has technical knowledge and practical skills in Biochar production, Sustainable fruit tree production, Nursery management, and Value addition on indigenous Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and vegetables. She enjoys working on tangible community development projects because she believes in changing people’s lives. During her free time, Kaino enjoys exploring insects and plant species.
Kaino is based at the Katima Office.
For any info email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.