Covering a combined area of 18,000 km² of savannah, Nyae Nyae (NNC) and N≠a Jaqna (NJC) Conservancies are unique ecosystems and home to many threatened species such as elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Indigenous San communities manage the area from small, remote villages. These communities rely heavily on limited income sources like trophy hunting, which makes them vulnerable to economic and environmental changes. Additionally, the vast area of the conservancies makes effective daily patrols challenging, and illegal activities like unauthorised fencing and grazing hinder conservation efforts.

TUI Wildlife Namibia mitigates these challenges by diversifying income opportunities, enhancing community involvement in habitat and wildlife protection, and developing the tourism infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of these conservation areas.

The project safeguards 18,000 km² of land by improving resource management, preventing land degradation, and reducing wildfire risks. 2000 newly planted trees restore degraded land, including fruit trees for medical purposes and community use, with seedlings provided by community nurseries.

The project protects 11 threatened species by improving wildlife monitoring and training 47 community rangers and game guards. Improved tracking systems, game counts and habitat assessments help to manage wildlife populations and maintain the ecosystem.

To support livelihoods, tourism development provides new opportunities, with community members being trained in guiding, hospitality, and business skills. Various activities like guided hikes, wildlife tracking, bush walks, bird watching and cultural experiences are identified and initiated. Schools take part in activities like tracking, fostering interest in nature and culture. The project also explores investment in high-end lodges and tourism ventures to boost local income.

Additionally, the project creates jobs through the strengthening of nature-based businesses. It supports communities with training on the sustainable harvesting and sale of Devil’s Claw, a protected medical plant, as well as improving craft sales and access to market.

The project strengthens conservancy governance by providing training to more than 650 community members in financial and business management.

By strengthening conservation management, governance, and sustainable tourism, TUI Wildlife Namibia creates a model for community-led conservation that balances environmental health with economic resilience.