John Kasaona: How poachers became caretakers

TED2 minutes read

Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, has successfully implemented conservation efforts through community involvement, partnerships with businesses, and training from organizations like World Wildlife Fund, resulting in 60 conservancies managing over 13 million hectares of land and generating income for various social programs including healthcare and education. Traditional beliefs and new ideas have been combined to improve conservation efforts in the country, leading to increased wildlife numbers and successful conservation programs.

Insights

  • The speaker, a Himba from Namibia, highlights the transformation from poaching to conservation through community involvement and partnerships with organizations like IRDNC and World Wildlife Fund.
  • Namibia's successful conservation programs, driven by traditional knowledge and modern strategies, have led to the establishment of 60 conservancies managing vast land areas, benefiting local communities with income for essential services like education and healthcare, showcasing a holistic approach to wildlife preservation.

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Recent questions

  • How many people live in Namibia?

    2.1 million people

  • What is the size of Namibia compared to California?

    Twice the size of California

  • How did the speaker's father transition from poaching to conservation?

    Became a community game guard

  • What organizations have contributed to successful conservation programs in Namibia?

    World Wildlife Fund

  • How has community involvement impacted conservation efforts in Namibia?

    Increased wildlife numbers and conservation efforts

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Summary

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Namibia's Conservation Success Through Community Involvement

  • Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, has 2.1 million people and is twice the size of California.
  • The speaker, a Himba from Namibia, grew up herding livestock and was trained as a conservationist.
  • Under apartheid, black people were not allowed to use wildlife, leading to poaching and fines.
  • The speaker's father, a former poacher, became a community game guard through an NGO, IRDNC.
  • The IRDNC helped communities manage wildlife, leading to increased wildlife numbers and conservation efforts.
  • Traditional beliefs and new ideas were combined to improve conservation efforts in Namibia.
  • Community involvement, partnerships with businesses, and training from organizations like World Wildlife Fund have led to successful conservation programs in Namibia.
  • Namibia now has 60 conservancies managing over 13 million hectares of land, generating income for education, infrastructure, and healthcare, including AIDS and HIV education.
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