Conservancy Development Support Services (CDSS) Project. Quarterly Report. July to September 2012

Transcription

1 Conservancy Development Support Services (CDSS) Project Quarterly Report July to September Commissioned by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia with funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation

2 Quarterly Report July to September Project Details Project Name: Project ID: Project Sponsor: Team Leader: Conservancy Development Support Services MCA-N/COM/RFP/2C02001 Commissioned by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia with funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation Dr Christopher Thouless Contact Details: Tel Report Submission Date: 31st October Cover photo: Performers at the new reception area for Grashoek (Ju 'hoansi Living Museum) ( Trevor Nott) Page ii

3 Table of Contents Abbreviations and acronyms... iv 1 Executive Summary Introduction Objectives Deliverables Task-Related Activities Training Institutional Technical Assistance Business and Tourism Technical Assistance Business Study Tour and In Service Training Natural Resource Management Technical Assistance Grants Other activities Development of qualifications US Ambassador s visit to Kunene Chief Mayuni s visit to Argentina US Under-secretary s visit to King Nehale US Exchange visit Monitoring and Evaluation Gender and Social Discussion Plans for Next Quarter Institutional Technical Assistance Business and Tourism Technical Assistance Business Study Tour and In Service Training Natural Resource Management Technical Assistance Page iii

4 Abbreviations and acronyms AGM Annual general meeting AWC African Wildlife Capital CBNRM Community-based natural resource management CBT Community-based tourism CDSS Conservancy Development Support Services Project CESP CBNRM Enterprise Support Programme ENP Etosha National Park GRN Government of Republic of Namibia HWC Human wildlife conflict HWSRS Human wildlife conflict self-reliance scheme ICEMA Integrated Community-based Ecosystem Management project IRDNC Integrated Rural Development & Nature Conservation INP Indigenous Natural Products project of MCA-N JV Joint venture KRCA Kunene Regional Conservancy Association KCS Kunene Conservancy Safaris LoE Level of effort M&E Monitoring and evaluation MCA-N Millennium Challenge Account - Namibia MET Ministry of Environment & Tourism NACSO Namibia Association of CBNRM Support Organizations NCL Namibia Country Lodges NDB Namibia Development Bank NDT Namibia Development Trust NNDFN Nyae Nyae Development Foundation of Namibia NORC National Opinion Research Centre NNF Namibia Nature Foundation NPC National Planning Commission NRM Natural resource management NRWG Natural Resource Working Group NTB Namibia Tourism Board PAYE Pay as you earn taxation SME Small or medium enterprise TA Technical assistance TOT Training of trainers VAT Value added tax WMUP Wildlife management & utilisation plan WWF World Wildlife Fund Inc. Page iv

5 1 Executive Summary This is the seventh quarterly report for the Conservancy Development Support Services (CDSS) Project, covering the period July to September. The programme is proceeding on track: CDSS provided all deliverables on time, and MCA-Namibia accepted them with only minor revisions. The Conservancy Development Support Services programme has now completed 17 of 38 planned months of operations (45%). Field activities (after approval of the inception report) started in May 2011 and are due to be completed in June Delivery is recorded in terms of initiation or completion of subtasks, and the number of days taken in carrying out the task (level of effort LoE). Levels of effort are recorded using training and technical assistance event forms, which are completed by the field partners, consultants and CDSS technical staff and filed at the CDSS offices. After submission these forms are reviewed by CDSS, and if there are some outstanding queries, these may result in minor changes in the figures given below and in Annex 1 and 2. As a result of more intense activity over the last quarter, delivery of level of effort is catching up on schedule. The total percentage of level of effort delivered is 39%, compared to 45% of time elapsed. Table 1: Status of level of effort by task at 30 th September level of effort planned % delivered 1. Institutional Training % 2. Business and Tourism Enterprise Training % 3. Natural Resource Management Training % 4. Institutional Technical Assistance 1,205 4,288 28% 5. Business and Tourism TA 1,512 3,776 40% 6. Business Study Tour and In Service Training % 7. NRM Technical Assistance 828 1,194 69% Total 4,376 11,121 39% CDSS activities are directed towards support for 31 conservancies. During the course of this quarter we started to provide support to Kasika and the newly gazetted Iipumbu ya Tshilongo. Not all sub-tasks are to be delivered to all conservancies. During the period July to September, 41 training courses were delivered (13 for institutional development, 14 for business and enterprise development, and 14 for natural resource management). A total of 638 participants 1 received the training, of which 30% were women. Highlights of the quarter include the following: Signing of the Palmwag Concession operator s contract. Completion of the staff quarters and sustainable energy supply for Grootberg Lodge. Trainers workshop on gender and social issues. Delivery of first gender and social courses. Start of support to Iipumbu ya Tshilongo and Kasika conservancies. 1 Some participants may have attended more than one course. Page 5

6 A total of 33 grants have been submitted, compared to the contractual requirement for 33 at this stage of the programme. Table 2, below provides details of grants submitted, signed, under implementation and completed thus far. Table 2: Number of grants submitted, signed, under implementation and completed Number submitted Target % of target Number signed Number being implemented Number completed Joint venture % Pre-JV 1 4 SME % Marketing 6 6 n/a n/a Human wildlife conflict % Translocation 2 n/a n/a Total % Grootberg, Nkasa Lupala, Sheya Shuushona, Sorri-Sorris, Omatendeka, Tsumkwe, Kavango Hunting Retreat, Etendeka 3 Note that the target in the contract is actually new joint ventures, not grants submitted. 4 Tsumkwe Lodge and Bush Camp 5 Grashoek, Hoada Campsite, Wuparo Craft Centre, King Fisher Bakery and Vegetables, Nyae Nyae Craft Project, Sikunga fishing reserve, Impalila fishing reserve, Opuwo processing facility visitor centre, Ngoma craft centre, Mashi craft centre 6 Expo 2011, branding, Chiapas, Expo, Adventure Travel, exchange visit to USA. 7 Nyae Nyae, Uibasen, guard dogs, South Kunene, Mudumu North Complex, Torra 8 This is the total target from the contract, and is higher than the sum of the targets by category. Page 6

7 2 Introduction The Conservancy Development Support Services (CDSS) Project is funded by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia (MCA-N) to the amount of US$9.1 million and will operate from November 18, 2010 to August 30, The CDSS Project is being implemented by a Consortium of Namibian NGOs, headed by the World Wildlife Fund, Inc. (WWF). Consortium partners include Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), Namibia Development Trust (NDT), Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), and the Nyae Nyae Development Foundation of Namibia (NNDFN), supported by the hub team of advisors working directly for the Project. The CDSS Project is one of three major MCA-N inter-related investments that are designed to take advantage of Namibia s key tourism sector. Given a national unemployment rate of 51.2%, the Namibian government recognizes that tourism can be an important generator of employment, particularly in remote, rural areas where tourism enterprises frequently offer the only viable formal jobs possible. Namibia has enjoyed steady growth in the tourism industry since independence in 1990, but still lags behind some of its regional competitors despite an abundance of natural eco-tourism assets and relative political stability. While numbers of international tourists are modest, Namibia has the potential to become one of Africa s leading tourism economies over the next decade. The MCA-N Namibia Tourism Programme seeks to address the following three obstacles to more rapid growth in the tourism industry and to greater participation by Namibia s rural communities in the tourism sector: Etosha National Park (ENP), the jewel that attracts tourists to Namibia, is not fully developed in terms of its tourism potential and faces management challenges relative to competing regional parks; Namibia is relatively unknown as a tourism destination, with little diversification of source markets for long-haul international tourists; and Low levels of private investment on communal land, due to high transaction costs and difficulty in securing long-term security to land, limit benefit streams to Namibia s formerly disadvantaged communities. The establishment of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) in 2002 and the 2007 approval of the MET Concessions Policy demonstrate the Namibian government's recognition of the strategic importance and potential role of tourism to economic growth and poverty alleviation. The MCA-N Programme seeks to build on these measures by increasing tourist visits to Namibia and directing tourism income to formerly disadvantaged communities in communal conservancies through: 1) strengthening the competitiveness of Etosha National Park (Namibia s best-known tourist attraction) by opening its western half to tourism and concomitantly improving park facilities and management; 2) expanding marketing efforts to attract more tourists from the important emerging North American market; and 3) providing increased tourism enterprise opportunities to the formerly disadvantaged by awarding tourism concessions to conservancies adjacent to parks, and developing the capacity of communal conservancies to attract investment and to participate in ecotourism income-generating enterprises. Over the last fifteen years, community-based wildlife management has been an effective mechanism for the Namibian government to combine conservation with developing governance structures to enhance the wildlife resources needed to attract tourism to rural communal areas of Namibia. In 1996, as a means of creating incentives for sustainable natural resources management in communal areas, the Namibian government introduced legislation that gave communities which formed a management unit called a conservancy rights over benefits from wildlife in communal areas. Specifically, conservancies are areas on communal land in which community-based organizations hold rights to manage and benefit from the Page 7

8 consumptive and non-consumptive use of wildlife and other natural resources within defined boundaries. By forming conservancies, local communities are able to add sustainable use of wildlife and ecotourism development to their existing land uses and livelihood activities. Results of the introduction of conservancies include increased wildlife populations on conservancy lands, devolution of authority over land use management to rural communities, generation of employment in tourism enterprises, and generation of financial benefits for conservancy members. While the MCA Namibia tourism project s Etosha National Park and North American marketing activities aim to increase the overall tourism revenue to Namibia, the CDSS explicitly seeks to direct more revenue to formerly disadvantaged Namibians in communal conservancies. An important challenge in directing tourism revenue to conservancies is the high transaction costs for private investment on communal land due to insecure land rights, remote locations, limited or no basic infrastructure, and barriers conservancy members encounter and pose as partners in Joint ventures with private sector operators and/or investors. The MCA Namibia CDSS aims to strengthen the capacity of conservancies to protect their natural resources, attract investment, and achieve financial sustainability so that households in communal conservancies receive more benefits. Based on individual conservancy needs and demands, the CDSS will provide a range of technical assistance services and grant funding to 31 target conservancies. Such assistance and funding will help mitigate existing barriers to tourism enterprise investment and contribute towards the financial sustainability of conservancies. In addition, the CDSS seeks to empower formerly disadvantaged Namibian communities in selected conservancies by facilitating their participation in lucrative tourism enterprises through grant funding to promote joint venture tourism enterprises between conservancies and the private sector. This is the seventh quarterly report for the Conservancy Development Support Services (CDSS) Project, covering the period July to September. 3 Objectives The major planned activities for this quarter were as follows: Continuation of the training and technical assistance tasks. Submission of one further grant application to reach a total of Deliverables The following deliverables were presented to MCA-N: Quarterly report 6 (April to June ) One grant applications submitted. 5 Task-Related Activities CDSS tasks fall into two major categories training and technical assistance. Table 3 gives a description of training activities carried out from July to September. Page 8

9 5.1 Training Table 3 shows training carried out between July and September. Table 3: Training carried out from July to September Training module Conservancy(ies) Date Trainers Types of participants Participants Female Comments 1.3 Management committee training Sorri Sorris 23 rd -25 th August Hiskia Mbura Committee members 6 2 This was the first training given to the newly appointed committee. Sections from the AGM training module were also discussed to ensure that the committee members were familiar with AGM procedures as they had to implement resolutions taken at the AGM/extraordinary meeting such as reviewing the minutes and drafting an action plan. 1.3 Management committee training Iipumbu ya Tshilongo 14 th 17 th August Aisha Nakibuule & Ronny Dempers Committee & members 14 4 Participants identified components that the committee needs to manage, and for the first time gender was included as a stand-alone component rather than being linked to HIV/AIDS. 1.4 Stakeholder communication and relationship management Kavango 16 th -17 th July Andreas Haingura Committee, staff & members 25 7 There was much discussion around the development of a communications strategy with stakeholders e.g. inviting key stakeholders to more conservancy meetings and events. 1.5 Social and gender awareness Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 24 th 26 th September Ronny Dempers, Lucky Kasaona, Lina Kaisuma Committee, staff, traditional authority, members 20 7 Although the training session followed the training manual, the facilitators made a point of including some of the lessons learned and skills developed during the Training of Trainers held in Otjiwarongo. Topics 1 and Topics 2 were covered with a few additional points; namely, highlighting the differences and interrelationships between values, attitudes and behaviours. Each conservancy had an opportunity to look at the current breakdown on the committees and staff to see if they have more than 40% representation. Factors why women are less likely to be employed or elected onto the committee were identified as: Women are not given opportunities to attend meetings Women are afraid to be on the committee for fear of falling victim to witchcraft practices Lack of awareness amongst women Fear of being insulted by men at the workplace Traditional belief that women cannot stand in front of men to lead them The last session on day 2 looked at an activity clock, identifying the roles and responsibilities undertaken by men and women each day. The Page 9

10 Table 3: Training carried out from July to September participants began to realise the enormous task placed on women and agreed that more responsibilities should be shared more equally. Almost all the fears of participants about this subject were addressed during the workshop and the perceptions and attitudes of the participants seemed to change over the three days. All participants, including the female representatives, engaged actively throughout the training with many heated discussions that spilled over to the lunch and evening breaks. The session was considered to be a great success. 1.5 Gender awareness Iipumbu ya Tshilongo 18 th 19 th September Ronny Dempers & Theresia Aiyambo Committee & members Policy & legislation Kavango 18 th 19 th July Andreas Haingura Committee, staff & members 25 7 During this training session it became clear that some participants were unaware of the relevance of some policy documents. For instance they had not previously read the Amendment to the Wildlife Act to understand fully the rights of the conservancy once gazetted. 1.8 Financial management All Caprivi conservancies 24 th -28 th September John Kamwi, Allan Homela, Justice Muhinda Committee & managers Distribution planning and benefit sharing All Caprivi conservancies 24 th -28 th September John Kamwi, Allan Homela, Justice Muhinda Committee & managers 29 9 Conservancy representatives learned that the benefit distribution plan cannot be done in isolation, but should be incorporated in the annual budget to be presented and approved at the AGM, and that there should be betterinvolvement of different ages and gender Conservancy framework/management plan development All Caprivi conservancies 14 th -17 th August John Kamwi, Allan Homela, Justice Muhinda Committee & managers 27 9 Participants learned how to develop a management plan framework and a 5 year development plan, an annual workplan and an organogram. The top three topics which need revision in conservancy managements plans are: the annual workplan, the 3 or 5 year development plan and the organogram. IRDNC used the opportunity to revise most management plan frameworks, and developed the first one for Wuparo conservancy Conservancy framework/management plan development King Nehale 5 th 7 th September Ronny Dempers & Theresia Aiyambo Committee & staff 12 6 An annual plan was developed as well as a 3 year development plan. A SWOT analysis was also carried out. The issues raised were then addressed as part of the planning process Conservancy framework/management plan development N a Jaqna 21 st -24 th August Ronny Dempers & Loretta Kirkpatrick Committee & staff 9 2 This is a new exercise for the conservancy, since any previous management plans have been lost and did not involve the current management committee members. The management committee had been briefed at a previous session and had therefore given the exercise some thought. As a Page 10

11 Table 3: Training carried out from July to September result the training was very effective and the output level high. Further work is needed to create an annual plan for 2013 and to link the plan to daily activities Project management Ehirovipuka, Omatendeka, Puros 22 nd 24 th August Neil Shaw, Titus Rungondo Committee, staff 11 3 This training was supposed to be conducted for the northern cluster conservancies (Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas and Marienfluss); however, due to the pressure placed on Orupembe, Sanitatas and Marienfluss (which also attended the basic business and joint venture training earlier in the month) it was agreed to shift their training to later in the year. The training was conducted jointly with the tourism and enterprise products training. This was done because many of the conservancies are supporting community projects and the project management training was expected to help the committees make better informed decisions, enable staff to monitor projects more effectively and help community members to implement projects more effectively Project Management Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra 25 th 27 th September Neil Shaw, Titus Rungondo Committee, staff, members 30 8 The training was conducted jointly with the tourism and enterprise products training. This was done largely because many of the conservancies are supporting community projects within their conservancy and the project management training should help the committees to make better informed decisions, enable staff to monitor projects more effectively and to help community members implement projects more effectively. 2.0(a) Basic Business Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 16 th 17 th August Neil Shaw, Titus Rungondo, Jess Lavelle (Indigenous Natural Products project) Committee, staff 13 1 The basic business training was provided in conjunction with the Indigenous Natural Products team. One of the main outcomes of the training was that the participants began to see the potential of natural product harvesting linking to tourism, for instance through sales of essential oils to lodges. 2.0(a) Basic Business Doro!nawas 8 th -10 th September SMEs Compete Committee, staff & members 15 7 Business plan development was added since some of the participants will soon be assisted with developing business plans for their own SMEs. A few of the participants expressed their wishes to begin small businesses such as craft making, cultural villages, tourist information and craft shops, and this training has given them direction. The training will be followed up with technical assistance from the newly appointed NNF business development adviser. 2.0(a) Basic Business Sorri-Sorris, Uibasen 25 th -26 th September SMEs Compete Committee, staff, SME owners 21 8 As with the Doro!nawas training earlier in the month, a business plan development session was incorporated. Due to a poor response to the call for participation from both the Sorris and Uibasen communities it was decided that in future training will be clustered. Technical assistance by the Page 11

12 Table 3: Training carried out from July to September NNF Peace Corps volunteer will be provided to selected SME owners with the drafting of business plans which they could use to apply either for loans or for MCA-N grant applications These SMEs include craft shops, baking, the Damara Living Museum, carpentry and upholstery. 2.0(a) Basic Business Nyae Nyae 23 rd July Keith Sproule Committee & staff 9 2 An abbreviated training course was provided because of the limited literacy of the management committee and TA in attendance. It also set the scene for the potential JV opportunity. 2.0(a) Basic Business N a Jaqna 25 th July Keith Sproule Committee & staff 7 1 This was an even more basic session than in Nyae Nyae, given the absolute lack of knowledge on this topic amongst the management committee and the limited tourism opportunities in the area. 2.0(b) Tourism awareness - committee Nyae Nyae 24 th July Keith Sproule Committee & staff 9 2 An abbreviated training course was provided because of the limited literacy of the management committee and TA in attendance. It also set the scene for the potential JV opportunity. 2.0(b) Tourism awareness - committee N a Jaqna 25 th July Keith Sproule Committee & staff 7 1 This was an even more basic session than in Nyae Nyae, given the absolute lack of knowledge on this topic amongst the management committee and also the limited tourism opportunities in the area. 2.0(c) Tourism awareness general 2.0(c) Tourism awareness general Uibasen Sorri-Sorris 2.1 JV Tourism Development Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss, Sesfontein 27 th September 28 th September 6 th 8 th August Hiskia Mbura Hiskia Mbura Titus Rungondo, Usiel Ndjavera Committee & members Committee, staff & members Committee & staff Although the training was announced well in advance and was open to as many members as could attend, there were only 20 participants (most of whom were unemployed youth). Some of the participants were interested in starting their own SMEs and therefore welcomed this opportunity to be present at this training. They commented that it had given them a better understanding of what type of services tourists would expect, what SME opportunities where available to them, and how to improve customer services. They also looked at how they, as members, could contribute to tourism in their conservancy, e.g. by improving the management of wildlife As with the Uibasen training, notice was given well in advance to the membership, but only 17 participants attended. Linkages between this training and the basic business training were emphasized so as to encourage the members to pursue businesses that will support their NRM and tourism enterprises This course was conducted in Opuwo for the northern cluster conservancies and Sesfontein Conservancy (the newly elected management committee was invited to attend the training as they do not have much experience in JV negotiations or implementation of agreements). After the training, the participants conducted a joint venture exposure trip to three lodges in Southern Kunene in order to think critically about what they learned during Page 12

13 Table 3: Training carried out from July to September the training and how their current JV agreements have been negotiated and implemented. 2.2 Tourism enterprise & products All Caprivi conservancies 10 th 14 th September Reuben Mafati Managers & conservancy enterprise staff Tourism enterprise & products Ehi-rovipuka, Omatendeka, Puros 22 nd 24 th August Neil Shaw, Titus Rungondo Committee, staff 11 3 The training was conducted jointly with the project management module. As an introduction to the training, the group discussed what enterprises they currently have in their conservancies. Thereafter, the facilitators held a plenary session with the group to re-cap some of the key points of the basic business training. The group identified future potential projects and used some of the examples to consider designing their own businesses. It was agreed that technical assistance will be carried out in each of the conservancies to assess their individual enterprises and discuss profitability and management structures further, as well as covering the Legal Requirements topic. 2.2 Tourism enterprise & products Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra 25 th 27 th September Neil Shaw, Titus Rungondo Committee, staff, members 30 8 A similar approach to the training was taken in Khowarib, although this group of participants had more experience in business operations and management. As a result the group went into more detail on the topics. During the group work they critically analysed their peers. This was an excellent learning exercise for the group, where they realised the importance of assessing all aspects of project development before moving forward. In addition, a session was conducted on the importance of ensuring that women are involved during tourism planning development and generally raising awareness on gender issues when developing projects. It was pointed out by one of the participants that most of the successful community run campsites in the area are managed by women. 2.3 Tour Guiding (NATH level 1) Nyae Nyae & N a Jaqna 1 st -6 th July Orlando Haraseb (NATH) Members 10 0 All participants from Nyae Nyae (5) and N a Jaqna (5) passed the exam. Certificates have since been distributed. 3.3 Game count King Nehale 16 th -19 th July Aina Andreas & Helena Shiweda Committee & staff 12 5 This was combined with a practical game count in which 596 animals were seen in all four routes covering a total length of km. 3.2 Game count Caprivi 3 rd September Bennety Buishu, James Maiba Community game guards 18 2 Page 13

14 Table 3: Training carried out from July to September 3.3 Game value King Nehale 1 st August 3.3 Game value Uukolonkadhi- Ruacana 8 th August Aina Andreas & Leeverty Muyoba Aina Andreas & Else Owoses Committee & staff Committee & staff 13 5 Participants proposed to evaluate their current shoot and sell game utilization method to see if it was really providing them with meaningful benefits Game value Sheya Shuushona 21 st August 3.4 Quota Setting Sesfontein 28 th 29 th September Aina Andreas & Ismael Mwanyangapo Eben Tjiho Committee & staff Committee, staff, members 10 3 Participants requested if they can have their members trained in value addition so that they can process other game products further, such as skins and springbok horns into marketable products, rather than just wasting them as it is currently the case In 2011 Sesfontein failed to present a proposed quota to the MET. As a result, the conservancy received a low quota and the hunter did not renew his contract. This training highlighted the need for conservancies to comply with conditions stipulated by the MET in order to obtain a satisfactory and realistic quota. In addition, the committee and staff gained an insight into the importance of wildlife management & utilisation plans and the development of sustainable quotas to ensure population growth. 3.4 Quota setting Uukolonkadhi- Ruacana 29 th September Theresia Aiyambo & Helena Shiweda Committee & staff 16 6 Quota not fully used due to lack of hunters. 3.4 Quota setting Uukwaluudhi 30 th September Theresia Aiyambo & Helena Shiweda Committee & staff 11 3 Quota was not used as planned due the fact the JV partner (Namibia Country Lodges) is winding up operations. 3.5 Game utilisation King Nehale 2 nd August 3.5 Game utilisation Uukolonkadhi- Ruacana 9 th August 3.5 Game utilisation Sheya Shuushona 22 nd August Aina Andreas & Leeverty Muyoba Aina Andreas & Else Owoses Aina Andreas & Ismael Mwanyangapo Committee & staff Committee & staff Committee & staff 13 7 The training led participants to realise that they need to explore many ways of utilizing other game products such as skins, horns and hooves, in order to find ways to add value Participants expressed their concern that neighbouring conservancies need to cooperate in their utilisation approaches, for instance ensuring that zonation plans are aligned to ensure that consumptive utilisation areas in one conservancy do not adjoin tourism areas in the next The committee feel if their tourism business is to become a reality they will have to minimize their hunting use as they have realised that tourism will give them more benefits than any other use and it does not require much input 3.8 Wildlife Biology Anabeb, Sesfontein, Ehi-rovipuka, 7 th 9 th Leeverty Muyoba, Eben Tjiho, Russell Committee, 13 3 Torra failed to attend the event. This was the first time IRDNC has provided this module and the participants requested support from IRDNC for Page 14

15 Table 3: Training carried out from July to September Omatendeka August Vinjevold game guards feedback to members. 3.8 Wildlife Biology Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 11 th 13 th September Leeverty Muyoba, Eben Tjiho Committee, game guards Law enforcement All Caprivi conservancies 23 rd -25 th July Dominic Muema, Bennety Buishu Senior rangers, managers and game guards 24 5 The training targeted conservancy managers and two senior community game guards from each conservancy, because they generally remain longer in office than elected representatives. The CBNRM warden from the MET Caprivi Region also participated. The training provided a good opportunity to discuss the challenges when dealing with the increasing level of poaching incidents in and outside the conservancies. The participants are now able to use the knowledge gained to report any suspected poaching incidents. The conservancy participants raised challenges they face when dealing with poaching, especially revealing the identity of community rangers reporting poaching incidences to the MET. A follow-up meeting was planned for discussions and clarifications from the MET. An action plan was put in place by all conservancies on what needs to be done now to reduce poaching incidents. Page 15

16 Figure 1: Participants at the basic business training at Doro!nawas (left) and Uibasen and Sorri-Sorris (right) Figure 2: Law enforcement training in Caprivi (left) and tourism enterprise & products training at Khowarib Agricultural Centre (Kunene N) (right) 5.2 Institutional Technical Assistance Governance Kunene North Omatendeka were planning to hold an AGM in September, but this was postponed until October, because the chairman took part in the exchange visit to Montana. Puros held their AGM on 1 st July. During the preceding months, IRDNC and the MET helped the conservancy to resolve the internal conflict that flared up over a year ago. The conflict has largely been resolved but the members are not happy with the performance of the project manager. Eighty seven members attended the AGM (quorum 64) and there was a good level of participation. The chairman s, natural resource management and financial reports were presented and approved. There is a need for more effective joint management committees with the lodges, for new bank signatories, for the election of members into vacant committee positions (including the treasurer) and the development of rhino tourism activities in the area. IRDNC and MET have been working to secure a volunteer to help the conservancy enterprises and improvements are expected during the next quarter. Good feedback was provided to members, and the IRDNC staff reported that there was little tension at the meeting, with both groups of the conservancy which were locked in conflict a year ago working comfortably together and completing the business of the meeting successfully. Page 16

17 Sesfontein held a general meeting from 31 st July to 5 th August so that the newly elected committee could present a revised budget for approval by the members and to discuss plans for the upcoming year. One hundred and twenty six members attended the general meeting (quorum 100 members). A number of issues emerged between the newly elected committee members and the two members of the old committee who had been re-elected during the village level election process held earlier in the year. The re-elected committee members felt they should be the ones taking the lead as they had the experience and therefore should have signing powers on accounts. However, the chairperson stood his ground and quietly pointed out to them that he was the elected chairperson and as such would be the one leading the committee and the conservancy over the next three years. MET provided valuable support in resolving these issues and backing the chairperson. It was evident that there is a need to improve the financial management of the conservancy. One of the first things raised in the general meeting was that the members felt that the previous committee should come and answer critical questions on the reports from the previous years. The new committee made several attempts to address this problem and highlight the fact that it would be very difficult to get the previous committee to respond to the members now that they have been voted off.. It was agreed that running costs should be reduced and that members benefits should be increased and that attention should be given to HIV & AIDS activities and community development projects. The members agreed that there should be greater cooperation between the committee and the members, with more regular feedback on progress and development within the conservancy. It was agreed that a financial administrator should be appointed; however, funds are not available to employ a project manager at this stage. The meeting highlighted that there is a lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the newly elected committee and it has been recommended that IRDNC provide training to the new committee to address this. The proposed budget presented by the committee was seen as unrealistic, with excessive income projections, which could result in financial difficulties during the year. The chairperson was confident about his ability to raise the funds by improving the management of the conservancy and securing additional joint venture deals. It was pointed out to him that the Palmwag issue has not yet been resolved and the trophy hunter has not yet signed a three year contract with the conservancy. After three days of in-depth discussions, the committee agreed to reduce the running costs, but the member benefits remained constant (still poor in relation to costs). The members agreed and approved the budget with the revisions. IRDNC assisted with the chairman s report and financial report due to be presented at the Marienfluss general meeting that was originally scheduled for August, but has been rescheduled to 13 th October. Some of the issues that came up during this process were as follows. The staff members of the Okaruhombo campsite have been working over the last year to get it operating once again and there are now two campsites operational with functional ablution facilities. The conservancy to have an excellent record for maintaining the event book monitoring system and keeping all reports up to date. However, there is a new field officer who is illiterate and thus finds the event book system difficult to manage. Training needs to be provided by IRDNC and support will be provided by the project manager. Management of the conservancy vehicle has been very poor; it been in the Oshikati garage for most of the year and this is due to miss-management over the course of 2011 and. They are planning to develop a vehicle policy to improve the management and utilisation of the vehicle. The new treasurer, Kazorondu Hevita, has not yet been made signatory on the bank accounts and is not very active. The current financial administrator feels that she has very little control over the finances and is only employed to compile the report at the end of each month, rather than managing the conservancy finances and advising the staff and committee on expenditure. It was also explained that although members benefits are small, money has been given as loans to members. However, there is no recording system for this, and the amount appearing on the reports for this is unaccounted for. IRDNC was requested to provide support to the management committee in developing some sort of system. Page 17

18 The running cost account has not been used regularly so the bank closed this account. It was recommended to the conservancy to re-open this account and begin managing their finances in accordance with their policy. In September meetings were held in all blocks in Torra (except in Bergsig which was postponed due to time constraints) prior to the annual general meeting in October/November in order to brief members on the current developments of the conservancy and to give them an opportunity to discuss issues that can be addressed by the committee at the annual general meeting. These meetings were attended by 78 out of the 398 of these blocks. From the questions raised it is clear that members are beginning to hold the committee accountable for their performance. Some of the key points that emerged were as follows. Earlier this year each household received a folder with key conservancy documents and there was some feedback on the constitution. It was suggested that the period for qualifying as a member should be clarified and the sections on staff members should be strengthened to ensure that action can be taken when staff and committee members do not carry out their duties well. There was also a feeling that ineffective staff and committee members should be removed sooner than next year s elections. Concern was raised about the management of the conservancy s vehicle, and there was support for the implementation of a vehicle policy and the use of a log book. Members are keen to develop a community transport service and at the last AGM (November 2011), they included N$90,000 in the budget for this. The committee was tasked with developing a plan to implement this project. During the block meetings, the committee explained to the members that a plan had been put in place and the project will begin moving forward. Members were invited to submit tender proposals to operate the business. The finer details of the plan will be worked out once a suitable operator is selected. It was agreed that the elderly will receive free transport to Khorixas once a month for the pension pay-outs and members may use the transport service on weekly basis at a nominal fee. The vehicle will be purchased by the conservancy and 'loaned' to the selected individual, who will pay for it over time. However, the committee still needs to clarify a number of issues; for example, the service and maintenance of the vehicle and the route, i.e. can the vehicle transport people to Outjo or Windhoek? There was some unhappiness about the performance of the game guards, particularly with respect to responding to human-wildlife conflict incidents. This appears to result from the fact that they are spread too thinly across the blocks and that not all have sufficient skills and ability. This will be addressed by additional training jointly provided by IRDNC, CDSS and MET, and by developing an effective staff policy. Soup kitchens operate once a month at Bergsig, Vrede and Palm when pensioners receive their payments. Members felt that this was an important benefit and were greatly appreciative of it. However, they suggested that perhaps it could run over two days as some members live over 15 km from the pay points. Members were very happy with their allocation of meat this year; however, they suggested that the committee look at ways of streamlining the process to reduce the time and save costs (this year it took more than two weeks and disrupted other programmes within the conservancy). Last year, in preparation for the AGM, IRDNC and the management committee visited each household over a period of two weeks to present the proposed budget and financial report. During these meetings, the members selected their preferred date for the AGM. The highest date selected out of the five options was then announced to the members. During the block meetings, the members expressed a desire to follow a similar procedure. Page 18

19 During the Ehi-rovipuka AGM, held in May, the members did not approve the annual financial report, budget nor the NRM report. As a result, the committee held a quorate general meeting on 30 th and 31 st July (with 140 members attending), to get the reports approved. A lot of support had been provided to Ehirovipuka in June and July by IRDNC in order to rectify the queries surrounding the annual financial report. The committee decided to have all their financial books audited, including the FY12 books. Although the committee knew these audits would not be ready by July, it was explained to the members that they had undertaken the process and all reports would have to be ready by the next AGM (May 2013). The members accepted the annual report, but urged the committee to ensure that during the next financial year, they stick to the approved budget. The budget was approved, with a few amendments including the purchase of a vehicle from savings that have been built up over the last few years. The members felt that this would help the committee and staff to be more effective as currently they hire members vehicles. The NRM report was presented and approved. The members wanted to discuss the issue of the trophy hunter operator, Thormählen & Cochran, having hunted a giraffe without a permit. However, Erwin Tjikuua (the Chief Control Warden for the Kunene Region) took the matter in his hands and explained to the members that MET was dealing with the situation Kunene South In May Doro!nawas held an AGM and although there was a quorum, the annual budget and work plan were not approved so it was decided to hold an extraordinary general meeting once the audit report was finalised so that the annual budget and work plan could be approved. NNF had supported the preparations for this meeting which was due on 15 August, but didn t succeed. The support included liaison with MET, the chairman s report, finalisation of the audit report by MAC and Associates. Planning for this meeting has been adversely affected by poor relationships between committee members, and non-attendance by key members at planning meetings. There is also a reluctance to follow constitutional procedures for calling meetings. Uibasen held a quorate general meeting on 21 st July. NNF provided assistance with the preparation of draft Chairman s report, budget and advised on the constitutional procedures to be followed. Issues such as cash distribution, the AGM scheduled for November and the under-performance by the committee were all topics for discussion at this meeting. The staff had not been paid for May and June, but this was resolved. The cash distribution issue will be addressed through a revision to the benefit distribution plan, for which a broader membership consultation will be done during the next quarter. It will be necessary to present the audited financial reports for at the AGM which is scheduled for December. Sorri-Sorris held a quorate AGM on 13 th -14 th March ; however, the elections that were due to be held during this meeting were called off by MET and an extraordinary meeting was initially scheduled for 27 th July, but eventually took place on 18 th August. A new committee was elected at this meeting. Before this meeting NNF also assisted with the preparation of the agenda, the chairman s report, following up on the audit report (for the half of before the old committee was removed) with MAC and Associates. NNF also assisted with the handover to the new committee and with a new draft benefit Figure 3: Handover from the outgoing Sorri-Sorris distribution plan. chairperson to his replacement NNF assisted distribution plan and with the follow up on the AGM minutes. with a new draft benefit Page 19

20 North Central The King Nehale benefit distribution plan was reviewed on 9 th August. Figure 4: Iipumbu ya Tshilongo inception meeting. Figure 5: Iipumbu ya Tshilong stakeholders' meeting. A preliminary stakeholders meeting for Iipumbu ya Tshilongo conservancy was held on 18 th July at MET Ongwediva. Its main objectives were for MET to share information on the establishment and gazettement of the conservancy and to plan how to support this new conservancy. This meeting was attended by 14 people including MET staff, conservancy committee members, representatives of the Uukwambi traditional authority, MCA-N and CDSS representatives and NDT field staff. This was followed by a meeting on 19 th July at Onkani with the committee and some members of Iipumbu ya Tshilongo conservancy to discuss the work plan. It was attended by 42 conservancy members of whom 40% were women and 60% men. During this meeting the committee highlighted the reasons why the community agreed to establish a conservancy and their vision for the future. Also the support organizations (NDT, CDSS & MCA-N) shared with the conservancy members what kind of support they would offer to enable Iipumbu ya Tshilongo to achieve its ambitions. As a way of soliciting support for Iipumbu ya Tshilongo, information-sharing meetings were held in July with the Governor of Oshana Region, Hon. Clemence Kashuupulwa, and the councillor of Uuvundhiya Constituency, Hon. Ndahafa Amutenya. The main tangible outcome of these meetings was that Iipumbu ya Tshilongo secured office space at the Uuvundhiya constituency office. Further meetings were held with the conservancy committee to brief them on these meetings, and to develop a work plan. NDT donated computer equipment to King Nehale in order to strengthen the institutional capacity of the conservancy. The Uukwaluudhi conservancy coordinator was assisted by NDT with editing and finalizing the April AGM minutes. NDT helped Uukolonkadhi- Ruacana and Sheya Shuushona in seeking financial support from NACSO for their AGMs and Iipumbu ya Tshilongo for institutional support from the Game Products Trust Fund, without results to date. Figure 6: Handover of computer equipment to King Nehale conservancy Otjizondjupa In July Loretta Kirkpatrick helped the N a Jaqna management committee sign the finalized version of the new constitution (after some minor changes agreed at the AGM where the revised constitution was approved). A discussion was held about the means of distributing the constitution and maintaining the current Page 20

21 level of awareness. It was decided that a mini version would be developed and provided to each village in English and Afrikaans. Bank documentation for signatory changes was completed as required by the new constitution and support was given to the first meeting of the newly elected management committee. This committee performed well in terms of decision making and discussing and taking on their responsibilities. NNDFN assisted with preparation of logistics and content for the Nyae Nyae annual general meeting, scheduled for 8 th -12 th October, the board meeting on 7 th October and village meetings prior to the board meeting. The membership list has been updated in preparation for benefit distribution later in the year Caprivi IRDNC met the Balyerwa, Mayuni, Mashi, Kwandu, Impalila and Wuparo committees to review last year s AGMs, in preparation for the AGMs planned for December. It was a useful session that helped the committee members to reflect on the process and for IRDNC to highlight further the importance of the AGM as a strong and essential governance tool. IRDNC staff, together with the conservancy committee members, reviewed the AGM management training module and then assisted the committee to develop a preparation plan for the upcoming AGMs. The revision of Balyerwa and M constitutions started, following the constitution training done in the last quarter. B lyerw s constitution revision began, with a researcher Rodgers Lubilo (funded by the Legal Assistance Centre), with previous experience in supporting communities with constitutions assisting the process. During the initial phase of constitution revision Lubilo reported that the conservancy staff members were very vocal about choosing what they wanted in the constitution to suit their needs and to protect their interests, and members did not challenge their staff or management committee. Thereafter, area meetings were poorly attended due to a breakdown of communication between the researcher and the committee members, and so little progress was made. Later, when IRDNC intervened, the committee was more open to carrying out the revision and agreed with the recommended amendments. IRDNC has since drafted the revisions which will be presented to the management committee for review before taking the amendments to the respective areas for consultation. In Mashi the beginning of the process of identifying the changes needed to their constitution went smoothly. IRDNC met with the management committee, identified what needed to be changed, and everyone was in agreement. IRDNC will draft the revised constitution before sending it back to the management committee for review Financial Management Kunene North Although IRDNC has recently employed a new financial administrator to help with the processing of conservancy books, there are still problems with getting conservancies to close their monthly books on time. In the last quarter, only Omatendeka and Marienfluss submitted books for review and Torra spent most of July catching up the last few months worth of books. One of the main purposes of engaging a conservancy financial administrator was for IRDNC to develop an early warning system and help MET and the Kunene Regional Conservancy Association (KRCA) take active measures against conservancies which are not completing their books on a monthly basis. The first step proposed by the newly appointed financial administrator has been to provide further training for the financial administrators, treasurers and any other staff or committee members involved with finances of the conservancies. This training would cover the 'roles and responsibilities' and 'policies and procedures' and look critically at how the books should be closed on a monthly basis and why this is important. The conservancies that have been selected for this training are Sesfontein, Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas and Marienfluss. Page 21

22 Greater support needs to be provided from IRDNC to ensure that all conservancies, and in particular the southern cluster conservancies, are closing their books on a monthly basis. Anabeb, Sesfontein, Ehi-rovipuka, Omatendeka and Torra have capable bookkeepers and/or financial administrators that understand the process and have skills and the capacity to close the books; however, possibly due to lack of supervision and regulation from the committees and project managers, this task is not being carried out. Nonetheless, the finance team has been busy preparing and updating the financial reports in preparation for annual general meetings, and has: Revised annual financial reports (FY12) for Puros and Ehi-rovipuka Developed financial reports (FY12) for Torra, Sanitatas, Marienfluss and Omatendeka Discussed audited reports with Marienfluss and developed a plan to address the problem of cash carried forward. Technical assistance will be required during the next quarter in this regard. In addition, the team reviewed Torra s monthly books (December May ), Omatendeka monthly books (July August ) and Marienfluss conservancy s monthly books (July September ) North Central Assistance was provided to King Nehale in compiling its April July monthly financial reports Kavango Monthly monitoring continued on both conservancies financial records Nyae Nyae and N a Jaqna In August and September Loretta Kirkpatrick checked adherence to the financial processes instituted at N a Jaqna and helped with the completion of monthly reports on finances. At this early stage the staff members still require considerable support to complete their basic duties, but the chairperson and management committee are becoming ever more aware of this and are starting to put pressure onto staff to do so Caprivi IRDNC began working with conservancies to complete their 2013 budgets for submission to AGMs planned for December. The monthly financial reports to June were presented at the July bi-annual conservancy meeting presentations. Subsequently, IRDNC worked with all treasurers to update all monthly financial reports until the end of September. Despite dramatic improvements in financial governance compliance since the inception of a new management committee, Mayuni continues to experience some financial challenges. Firstly, the conservancy s income from hunting this year was lower than expected. Secondly, despite the management committee s efforts to manage the accounts correctly there are still financial decisions being made which are not entirely according to the constitution, such as the issuing of receipts and invoices for the hunting and joint venture fees. The treasurer still needs assistance with her duties and it has been disappointing to note that there seems to be decline in her financial management ethics despite seeing clear improvements at the start of her appointment. In Mashi, the conservancy is not adhering to its budget. They have approved a number of staff loans, which is against their constitution when a loan is more than over 50% of a salary. This was not addressed in two consecutive months and the conservancy had still not recovered those loans from staff, despite IRDNC having raised the matter with the conservancy representatives. This issue should be raised at the AGM in December so that the members can hold their leaders to account. In Balyerwa, other than some minor miscalculations, the figures are adding up every month. However the management committee is not sufficiently involved with financial matters, which are left predominantly to the staff, and so have little understanding of what is being generated and what is being spent. It makes it difficult Page 22

23 for them to then inform their members at the village level. In order to rectify this kind of behaviour, IRDNC is working with the NACSO Institutional Working Group (IWG), to develop a form for representatives that can be completed with financial information and taken back to their villages. In Wuparo, there seems to be very little involvement from the management committee in financial matters and the manager makes decisions that are not in line with their policies. There has been overspending on the construction of an office extension, because the manager did not ask for quotes or compare prices from different contractors. For now, the building has been halted until permission to resume is given by the members. The treasurer is also not taking responsibility for her duties, and leaves many of them to the manager. The income form for own-use hunting is not being recorded in a timely fashion and this has resulted in inaccurate amounts being reported. The treasurer was taken to Balyerwa to meet with its treasurer to observe how she is doing her job. IRDNC intends to continue to promote inter-conservancy short-term job placements so that successful conservancies can mentor others. In Salambala, the treasurer is still making regular mistakes in her record keeping. It was advised by IRDNC that the conservancy manager should be present when IRDNC provides technical assistance to the treasurer so that the manager can follow up with in-house training and mentoring. Sikunga conservancy is showing a high level of financial management. Although it is a newly gazetted conservancy and not receiving a very high income (which has made the budget extremely tight), the conservancy has maintained budget lines for the most part and keeps accurate records. The management committee and members are all active in decision-making and information-sharing. Impalila is practising effective financial management and is working hard to extend its income beyond its JVs, i.e. from guiding on the island and sport fishing on the river. They are unique in running two sets of accounts, one in Pula and the second in Namibia dollars. In Kasika, the conservancy is keeping adequate records of its expenditure, but is overspending on budget lines. The small monthly instalments the conservancy receives from its hunter are currently less than monthly expenses. IRDNC has advised that this method of piecemeal payments needs to be halted as it is not working Management Plans Kunene North In January and July, CDSS supported conservancies meet in two clusters at Wereldsend and Onjuva to plan for the next since six months. In April and October IRDNC staff visited each of the conservancies to review the progress achieved over the first three months and to establish what needs to be done to achieve the planned activities over the next three months. When conducting these reviews, IRDNC helps the conservancies to check whether activities and decisions are in accordance with management plans and the conservancies visions. Therefore, the committee and staff of each conservancy need to look at key components of the plans and critically analyse whether the potential outcomes of pursuing a particular activity will move the conservancy forward North Central King Nehale conservancy was trained in conservancy framework and management plan development. During the training participants carried out a SWOT analysis on their conservancy. The participants developed a three year conservancy development plan with nine components to manage Kavango NNF provided support to the two Kavango conservancies, by attending monthly management committee meetings, and ensuring that work plans were aligned with budgets. There is a need for both these Kavango conservancies to begin discussions around their 2013 annual work plans and benefit distribution plans well as their management plans. These should be drafted and presented at their AGMs in December. Page 23

24 Otjizondjupa In September Loretta Kirkpatrick assisted with management planning in N a Jaqna. Following the training session, a draft framework plan was prepared. In early October this will be used to generate an annual plan Caprivi All Caprivi conservancies and relevant stakeholders attended the bi-annual planning meeting in July. The conservancies carried out internal reviews of their workplans prior to the meeting, and at the meeting reported on the highlights of the year so far and what they had achieved and not achieved. In a demonstration of the value that they place on the meeting, for the first time ever 11 conservancies contributed financially towards the costs of the meeting, which was held at Kwandu conservancy. Most of the conservancies presented up-to-date financial reports with very little or no missing money (although many had overspent budget allocations) and achieved their planned activities. Gradually, conservancies are proving that they are capable of developing and implementing their own plans with reduced levels of support from IRDNC. In Sikunga & Wuparo IRDNC assisted the management committee to review their management plans. In some instances, the management committee members were not aware of the planning document, and it was identified that there were changes which need to be addressed, such as updating villages and areas (some of the names have changed and new villages have sprung up). Following the conservancy framework/management planning workshop held in August this year, IRDNC began the process of reviewing management plans. In many cases the staff organograms were outdated as many conservancies have created new positions. It was identified that the work plan templates and budget templates need to be updated too, as conservancies have, over the years, taken on new financial responsibilities and activities not undertaken in previous years. IRDNC has spent the last quarter internally adapting these drafts which will be presented to the conservancies in the next quarter for their adaptions and input. In addition, IRDNC secured matching funding to hire a GIS expert to update all GIS data relevant to conservancy management plans in the Mudumu North and Mudumu South Complexes Staff Management Kunene North Towards the end of September, the IRDNC team conducted a review of the progress made by six of the nine target conservancies in order to plan further support in November and December North Central NDT provided a six day basic computer skills training to the acting coordinator of Iipumbu ya Tshilongo conservancy Kavango The Muduva Nyangana conservancy treasurer has found short term employment outside the conservancy and the conservancy staff members were worried about the financial management of the conservancy bank accounts. NNF advised that (with the chairperson s permission) they temporarily promote the vice-treasurer to deal with this. Assistance has also been provided in conservancy employment procedures, with interviews, and with the selection of a resource monitor for George Mukoya Otjizondjupa In July and August NNDFN helped Nyae Nyae to define objectives and deliverables for each staff member, so performance can be assessed to determine salary increases. Also the manager role (which is vacant since no-one in the conservancy has applied for the job and the conservancy is unwilling to take on anyone from outside the conservancy) has been reduced in scope and retitled as project coordinator. The communication and finance parts of the job have been given to the chairperson and office administrator, who both have fulltime paid positions. Page 24

25 In N a Jaqna the process of revising job descriptions has begun and some, particularly for those staff recruited within the last year (coordinator and deputy coordinator), have been found to be satisfactory, some of the others, such as the devil s claw coordinator, need more definition and will be completed in the coming quarter Caprivi IRDNC initiated the review of several conservancy staff job descriptions this quarter. Templates for community game guard, field officer, senior ranger and manager job descriptions were drafted. The process was initiated in Mayuni and will be rolled out to all conservancies following the staff management training to be conducted early in The draft job descriptions will be presented at the upcoming AGMs for member input and awareness. IRDNC assisted Impalila, Sikunga, Salambala, Mayuni, & Wuparo with several practical staff management issues. In Impalila the previous manager had returned to the conservancy after completing his studies and acquiring new skills. He was reinstated at the same salary level as previously, and after six months requested a salary increment. IRDNC advised that the management committee should carry out a salary and performance review. Sikunga s new management committee had made several changes in its staff structure and had followed their staff policy well. Two resource monitors were given dismissal letters after not coming to work for two months. One game guard was suspended without pay due to misconduct. The secretary had resigned due to health problems and was not serving on the management committee, and a community game guard was on probation for the secretary position. The conservancy had also advertised the vacant position for a community game guard. In Wuparo IRDNC met with the management committee and conservancy staff to work on their staff policies. It is becoming apparent that Wuparo are not effectively managing their staff. The conservancy does not have job descriptions and contracts. In Mayuni IRDNC assisted the manager and enterprise officer with an activity to assess how they carry out their workplan and to consider whether the manager uses the workplan in his monthly decisions or the management of the staff. The manager is now carrying out activities as per the workplan. 5.3 Business and Tourism Technical Assistance Basic Business Kunene North Marble Campsite in Orupembe Conservancy is one of the best run community enterprises in Kunene and staff members have shown initiative in maintaining and upgrading the camp. However, some concerns have been raised over the blocked drains and management of revenue from firewood and drinks. There is an operational fridge and staff members regularly buy soft drinks for re-sale to guests. However, sometimes this is at the detriment of purchasing other supplies such as toilet paper or light bulbs and sometimes there is no accurate recording of these additional sales. Following the basic business training, IRDNC provided support to improve this situation and it was emphasised that to operate a business effectively all income and expenditure must be recorded and adequate stocks of all supplies should be purchased each month. Better systems will be put in place to record all sales revenue generated from the campsite and ensure more regular maintenance. IRDNC has held talks with Kristian Hamukoshi, from NACSO, and Reservations Destination regarding the possible development of a booking system for the community-run campsites in the Kunene Region. IRDNC raised concerns about the problems of communication in the northern areas (Orupembe and Marienfluss), the ability for community run enterprises to keep facilities to a high enough standard, and costs that will be charged to the conservancies after the proposed grant and trial period has come to an end. Reservation Page 25

26 Destination will come up with proposed figures of what they would charge the conservancy and thereafter, IRDNC will conduct a meeting with all relevant conservancies to plan a way forward Caprivi IRDNC has continued to assist conservancy-based enterprises to obtain leaseholds from the land board. Wuparo and Salambala conservancy campsites have submitted their applications, as has the Kingfisher Bakery. The only conservancy enterprise to date with leasehold is Mashi Crafts. IRDNC arranged a marketing tour to Zambia, Botswana & Namibia for enterprise and conservancy staff. The aim was to visit other enterprises, and to market Namibian enterprises at tourism outlets in the neighbouring countries. The participants visited the Zambia Tourism Board, which markets community based enterprises much more than the Namibia Tourism Board does. IRDNC assisted representatives from Mashi Crafts, Kingfisher Bakery and Sijwa Environmental Centre to apply for a business management course organised by the Namibia Tourism Board. NTB will cover the costs of the training in Windhoek, but participants have to cover their transport and accommodation. The course takes place during one week per month from October to February The first week s training in October was only attended by the representative from Sijwa Environmental Centre, as the others did not make their travel arrangements on time Tourism joint venture development Orupembe A meeting was held at Onjuva with the conservancy, its joint venture partners (House on the Hill and Etaambura) and the managers of Marble Campsite in order to discuss the possibility of submitting an SME grant application to benefit both House on the Hill and Marble campsite, and a possible joint venture grant for Etaambura in order to establish operational kitchen facilities and additional rooms. This would ensure that the conservancy has three tourism ventures operating in the area and all operations have a clearly defined market segment. IRDNC wanted to ensure that the committee could develop a better understanding of the grants process and the conditions attached to any funding. The chairperson and the headman attended the meeting along with 30 members, and they agreed that it would make sense to submit a proposal for a grant (or two grants) to expand and improve all three tourism operations. Based on the outcome of the meeting, the next steps would have been to submit a grant proposal for House on the Hill in October and Etaambura in April 2013; however, since this meeting a dispute has emerged between the two operators and no proposal will be submitted until this is resolved Sanitatas On 17 th August, IRDNC introduced Leon Nederlof (who is negotiating to buy Camp Synchro in Marienfluss) to Sanitatas Conservancy, who were interested in discussing the possibility of establishing a joint venture at Sanitatas Spring. However, later that month he informed IRDNC that he first wanted to get Camp Synchro finalised and operational and then they would consider investing in another, additional site. IRDNC will pursue the establishment of the campsite with the conservancy who are very keen to submit a grant proposal to MCA-N for a conservancy owned campsite Ehi-rovipuka In July, IRDNC continued to provide support to Ehi-rovipuka on the Hobatere Roadside development. During the previous quarter, the conservancy told the MET Concessions Unit that they wished to withdraw entirely from the negotiations with the preferred bidder, Anders Johansson, and have the site re-tendered. IRDNC encouraged the conservancy to begin discussing with other potential investors and a draft proposal was developed by Jaun Husselman. Several meetings were arranged, but each one had to be postponed due to the availability of both the conservancy and the proposed investor. In August, the conservancy reviewed a revised draft that had been submitted by Jaun Husselman, but later decided that they wanted to re-enter into Page 26

27 negotiations with Anders Johansson. They asked the Concessions Unit to contract Mr Johannson to ask him if he was still interested and under what conditions. Mr Johannson has responded saying he would be interested, that he might have found an operator (unknown at this time) and that he would put his conditions in writing Omatendeka On 20 th July, IRDNC and CDSS staff members met with Omatendeka conservancy to present the proposed changes to the grant application for the Otjomumbonde Lodge. Following changes to the MCA-N Grants Manual new developments can secure up to 49% match funding from MCA N. The investor has proposed to make use of this and, in return, increase the financial payments to the conservancy. The committee was happy with the changes, which resulted in an increase of percentage turnover from 8% to 10% in the first five years and 10% to 12% in the following five years. Further support was provided to satisfy the conditions precedent, particularly the leasehold application and the environmental clearance certificates. The land board approved the leasehold in principle pending the environmental clearance. CDSS staff members prepared the environmental scoping and environmental management plan for the development, and discussions are underway with MCA-N and the Environmental Commission on how to move the process forward. MCA-N supports the approach of CDSS staff members with appropriate skills carrying out the scoping and preparing environmental management plans. The Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (SAIEA) will review the documents prior to submission to the Environmental Commissioner Torra In July, the conservancy agreed to sign a contract for the Palm campsite with Jaun Husselman, after several amendments had been made by both parties. It was agreed that all outstanding documents and annexures would be finalised before the first joint management committee meeting scheduled for August. Although the developments have been slow, the conservancy and the members from the Palm area are happy with the developments and improvements made. Six members are now employed at the camp (previously the conservancy employed two people) and the skills of each employee are being developed in preparation for a successful 2013 period. The operator is waiting for electricity to be provided on site; which is being arranged by the conservancy, prior to any major developments. It appears the delays are due to Nored Electricity which has submitted two separate quotes of N$400 and N$4800. The conservancy is investigating this and expect to find a solution in the next few months Anabeb The contract between African Eagle and Anabeb Conservancy for the permanent tents at Khowarib campsite will be expiring at the end of this year, and the conservancy requested support from IRDNC to see if the contract can be renewed and if there was any possibility of working with African Eagle to secure a grant from MCA-N for the conservancy. Through discussions with African Eagle, a concept has been developed whereby the conservancy can expand their operations at the campsite to include the management of the tents (for tour operators) and the possible development of 'Bush Cabins'. African Eagles would be a joint venture partner in providing management, marketing and maintenance support. In addition, African Eagle will provide NATH level 3 tour guiding and cooking training for the Community Hosts who will provide the following services: 1) basic (lighting fire and if desired talking to the guests in the evening about conservation in Namibia and Anabeb Conservancy), 2) medium service (cooking - all guests will bring their own ingredients and equipment), or 3) advanced service which includes guided tours. During discussions about this proposal one of the concerns raised was how to ensure that the Community Hosts remain motivated in their work and provide a good quality service. One idea is to develop a monitoring system, and instead of the host being paid directly by the guests, having all payments run through the business. If the host does not score a high enough review, they will receive a reduced or no payment. In addition, at the end of the year the hosts could qualify for a higher bonus if they consistently scored a high review, for example above 85 percent. Lastly, the finances would have to be jointly managed by Anabeb Conservancy, the campsite manager and African Eagle. Page 27

28 Etendeka (Anabeb and Omatendeka Conservancies) In order to conclude the Etendeka grant Anabeb and Omatendeka conservancies needed to sign a trust document and establish a trust. On 27 th -28 th July, lawyer Uda Nakamhela presented the draft of the trust deed to the conservancies who agreed that he develop a final document to be signed by the conservancies. Towards the end of September the enterprise team presented the document to each of the conservancies to review ahead of signature. The structure will establish three trustees from each conservancy. This process will be finalized during the next quarter. During the US Ambassador s visit to Etendeka Lodge, it emerged that the operator has not employed additional staff members as specified in the agreement. An emergency meeting was called between IRDNC, Anabeb, Omatendeka and the operator to discuss the situation and resolve it as soon as possible. By the end of the month additional staff members were employed leaving only one position still vacant. In September the operator provided in-house training for all staff members, including new hires. The new hires are on probation for the first several months. The number of new hires will be reported in the next quarter Palmwag (Torra, Anabeb and Sesfontein Conservancies Big Three ) In early August, the Big Three representatives travelled to Windhoek to conclude the long outstanding negotiations with Wilderness Safaris Namibia for the Palmwag Concession. They first met with Wilderness and then the MET Minister to discuss and finally resolve the matter of the related party transaction clause. It was a clause that Wilderness has in principle refused to accept. However, the Minister was advised by the Attorney General s office not to accept the clause as revised by Wilderness. She duly informed the Big 3 that Wilderness would just have to accept the clause as initially presented which, surprisingly to the Big 3, they did without any fuss. This was annoying because the six months delay that had been caused was a result of an on-principle objection, was quickly overcome. After a few more delays, Wilderness Safaris and the Big 3 conservancies finally signed a 20 year concession operator s contract for Hoanib Camp and Desert Rhino Camp and one up to 31 st October for Palmwag Lodge. Now that the concession operator s contract has been signed, guaranteeing a return of N$ 1.2 m per annum (of which MET will receive 25%) the Big 3 turned their attention to the Palmwag Lodge which was to be vacated on the 31 st October. Firstly, they had to resolve if they should select one of the two operators that submitted an offer via Wilderness or to put it out to tender. They decided to first meet with the two operators, Camelthorn and Journeys Namibia, to hear their proposals. The meeting was held at the Concessions Unit. After discussing the merits of the two presentations - one being a straightforward joint ventures operator s arrangement and the second being a management contract relationship that followed the new Grootberg model - the Big 3 decided follow a tender process. This was going to be tight in terms of finding a JV partner in time for the vacation of Palmwag Lodge. Fortunately MET and MCA had reached an agreement to renew the Yetu Consulting contract to provide technical advice to certain MCA targeted conservancies and so could now assist the Concessions Unit with the tender process. While we had some concerns about the lengthy and complicated process, there was no other option but to assist where possible. A CDSS representative was invited to participate in the technical committee for the review of the tender. According to the timetable the review of the bids would be on the 15 th October. In the meantime, CDSS engaged a business adviser to help the Big 3 to consider their contingency options for when Wilderness vacates Palmwag Lodge on the 31 st October. He was flown up, met the management of the lodge, the representatives of the Big 3, was shown around and then was asked to draft a business plan with four business scenarios that the Big 3 could consider, ranging from fully catering option under the management of Big 3 to pulling out completely and hiring a security firm. While the conservancies were keen on the full catering option, the financial viability suggested that running a campsite would be the only viable Page 28

29 option in terms of the short term commitment. It was suggested that the fuel station should be sourced out completely either to Wilderness or another private sector party. Figure 7: Meeting of Big 3 with US Ambassador to discuss progress on Palmwag. A follow up meeting was held with the Big 3 to discuss the business plan, agree on an action plan, and to review the tender process documents. Firstly, the group discussed the tendering process with the various timeframes. It was explained to the group the tender closes on Monday 15 th October. Thereafter, the group should try and take two weeks to decide on a potential partner and begin the negotiation period. It was further explained that the sooner the negotiations are concluded, the less damage it would cause if Palmwag Lodge had to be vacated. The last hurdle is for the Minister to sign off on the contract and this could also take time. It was agreed by all parties to speed up the process wherever possible to minimise the damage that would be caused if Palmwag was to be closed over Christmas. Thereafter, the group reviewed the various scenarios of what could happen to Palmwag Lodge during the interim period under the direct management of the Big 3. It was agreed to separate the management of the fuel station for a further month which the Big 3 successfully got Wilderness to run, and the management of the tourism site, which Wilderness refused to consider extending their management of beyond October. In terms of the upfront investment that the Big 3 would be required to make, i.e. over ¼ million if they went for the full catering options and only N$ 40,000 if they decided just to keep the bar and campsite open, it was agreed that the Big 3 needed to meet before 12 th October to confirm on what investment they would be willing to put into the business (if a significant investment is expected, then they should receive approval from the members). Kapoe Kasaona, the current manager at Palmwag Lodge, was identified as the preferred manager to help see the Big 3 through the interim period, to draw up a business plan, and to be the focal person for following up with partners Puros CDSS and IRDNC staff members met Pieter de Wet and the financial administrator for Okahirongo lodge at Puros in order to begin implementing the JV financial dashboard. While supportive of the process, the operator was not fully prepared with the requisite financial information, necessitating a delay in implementation of dashboard reporting. This will be a priority in the next quarter workplan Marienfluss A series of meetings have been held between Marienfluss conservancy, IRDNC and Leon Nederlof, who is planning to purchase Camp Synchro from Koos Verwey. The proposed payments were quite small and initially it was proposed that there should be a monthly rental (for example N$ 2,500 per month) and a percentage of turnover (perhaps 7%), with a minimum guaranteed payment for traversing fees (N$ 20,000 per year). Discussions were also held on the possibility of MCA-N funding and/or an exclusive area around the camp. The operators were willing to employ two members of the conservancy but it was suggested that this be increased to five. Later, the figures were reduced to N$ 1,500 per month with an additional 7% of turnover being paid as a traversing fee. Three permanent staff will be employed with at least two casual labourers during the busy Page 29

30 months, and the number of employees would increase in accordance with occupancy levels. The investor proposed to develop eight campsites and four tented camps (east of the existing site). During the initial negotiation period, the conservancy agreed that they could look at expanding the leasehold area further east or allowing the operator to take over the management of Okarohombo campsite. Later the committee said that they did not want to receive a percentage of turn-over as this confuses them and they cannot tell if the investor is cheating them. IRDNC explained to the committee that one of the conditions in the contract was that the operator has to implement the joint venture financial dashboard monitoring tool. By drawing on the skills the conservancy learnt recently at the joint venture training, the IRDNC team assessed several scenarios of income projections and how much the conservancy would receive. Also it was explained to the committee that the contract has been revised in such a way that the conservancy will receive a monthly rental, plus a minimum guaranteed amount for the traversing fee. On 20 th August there was a meeting in Opuwo to discuss and revise the contract. Amongst the issues discussed were the exclusive zone, how bicycle and quad bike tours might operate, the community camp, the business plan (including employment, financial projections and development), and the leasehold. The conservancy asked about a possible future sale of the camp, since they know that Koos Verwey is selling the business for N$ 500,000 and they are not receiving any portion of these funds. Both the conservancy and the potential investor felt that it was unfair the Koos Verwey would receive the full sale amount since the conservancy felt they were equal partners in the business and had been for the last few years. It was agreed that this would be discussed with the conservancy s lawyer, Uda Nakumela, and for an amendment be made to the proposed contract. A suggestion from the group was that, should the business be sold at any point, each party would share the proceeds, for example: 50% each. Both sides agreed that there should be a clause in the contract to this effect. On 21 st September, John Kasaona met with Marienfluss Conservancy to review the draft contract that had been submitted by Wilderness Safaris Namibia for the renewal of the Serra Cafema agreement. The first step was to look at the clauses in the contract that discusses the possibility of renewal and see whether such clauses make provision for further extension, then thereafter the group discussed what additional benefits the conservancy could receive as a result of Wilderness receiving an additional ten years in the contract. The feeling from the conservancy s side is that they are always on the losing end of the deal when ten plus years are offered to the operators. As such they wanted to ensure that the benefits to the conservancy increases with the renewal of an additional ten years. No conclusions were made at this meeting and a follow-up meeting will be scheduled at a later date Hunting Contracts Kunene North On 13 th July Sesfontein Conservancy signed a temporary contract with Thormählen & Cochran Safaris after Didimala Safaris withdraw from re-negotiating with the conservancy due to the reduced quota. (The conservancy received a minimal quota, after they failed to attend the quota setting meetings in October 2011.) It is expected that the operator will sign a three-year contract in preparation for the next hunting season so that he can actively market the hunts. However, this would largely be dependent on the conservancy complying with the MET regulations and obtaining a suitable quota in October. It was agreed that all prices would be the same as Anabeb, which is in line with general prices in the Kunene Region Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana A meeting was held with Mr Martin, the owner of Sunset campsite, to find out why he put the campsite on sale and also to discuss the possibility of him going into partnership with the conservancy. The committee asked Mr Martin to provide a business plan for the campsite but this has not been provided. The rationale for the proposed sale was murky at best, and seemed a bit opportunistic with ideas about external money, etc. As of the end of the quarter, Mr Martin doesn t appear to have any interest in working with the conservancy. The Page 30

31 challenge of identifying a reasonable investor, with actual title or rights to land along the river (the prized tourism location in the region) remains ongoing Uibasen A tourism awareness (committee) training course was organised for 10 th -11 th August with the date agreed by the Uibasen committee. An NNF staff member travelled to the participants villages to assist them with transport to the training venue, but every participant had an excuse for not attending. This was after a month s notice, followed by three other confirmations and follow-ups. This is not the first time that committee members have not turned up for training events without giving prior notice Doro!nawas Before the basic business training course, SMEs Compete, with the NNF field staff, undertook a trip to meet with local SME owners that they had met previously in These local business people were also invited to attend the training the following day where they assisted with the development of business plans. Follow-up support in bookkeeping and financial management will be undertaken over the coming months with these participants Grootberg Lodge (#Khoadi//Hôas Conservancy) The builders have been working on the improvements to Grootberg Lodge and should finish almost on schedule. The status at the end of September was as follows: Staff quarters were 90% 95% complete (awaiting tiles for bathrooms and other minor repairs) Solar and wind systems were fully operational. With some management adjustments to the timing of kitchen energy demands, the new system is supplying all lodge energy needs and it has not been necessary to use the backup generator for several weeks. A small wind generator system was installed to add an energy boost to the staff kitchen. Figure 8: New solar power supply for Grootberg lodge Four new chalets (2 family and 2 single) are 60% complete, with all walls and thatching completed. Windows, doors, plumbing and the poured concrete floors are still to come. New manager s house and guide units are 35% - 40% complete. Priority has been shifted to the guest chalets, as they must be completed by the end of October. Septic tanks were ordered for all guest chalets. The process of construction oversight, with monthly meetings between the builder, architect, management company and conservancy has continued and the meeting schedule diligently adhered to. The architect continues to provide written reports and confirmation of construction quality, as well as managing the process of handing over completed components of the building programme Hobatere (#Khoadi//Hôas Conservancy) Conservancy representatives and NACSO met the Deputy Commissioner of Mines to discuss the problems with the prospectors whose presence in Hobatere is blocking the redevelopment of the lodge. It was agreed that there would be a site visit after which it is hoped that the prospecting license will be withdrawn. Page 31

32 Hunting (#Khoadi//Hôas Conservancy) Khoadi H as has a hunting contract with Gerrit Utz which expires in November and they are in the process of negotiating a new three year contract with the same operator. The conservancy feels that there needs to be an increase in trophy prices and that the hunter should construct a permanent camp. It is important for the conservancy to make reasonable requests, which are in their financial interest, as part of the negotiation strategy. The trophy hunter only employs conservancy members on a casual basis within the conservancy. There is an on-going salary dispute about overtime. The employment of trackers, skinners and camp staff needs to be addressed. The shoot and sell quota has been awarded to the trophy hunter; this includes seven giraffe (N$ 4,500/animal), 23 zebra (N$ 2,500/animal) and 15 springbok (N$ 400/animal) Sorri Sorris Following agreement from MCA-N that the grant contribution to joint ventures lodges could be increased, a new financial plan for the proposed development at Sorri-Sorris was developed, and approved by the conservancy in July. This new percentage calculation was subsequently approved by MCA-N. CDSS helped Sorri-Sorris with the conditions precedent for their joint venture grant, including the leasehold application and the environmental clearance certificates. The land board approved the leasehold in principal pending the environmental clearance. CDSS staff members assisted with this, and the situation is the same as at Omatendeka Sheya Shuushona Numerous follow-ups were made in writing and telephonically with the Concessions Unit on the status of Sheya Shuushona s application for traversing rights in Etosha National Park. Finally the conservancy was invited to make a presentation to the concession committee of MET on 11 th October King Nehale Oshikoto Regional Council commissioned a consultant to prepare an application to MET for a concession in Etosha National Park on behalf of King Nehale conservancy. However, this document focussed on the planned cultural village, rather than any activities or developments within the park. It will be necessary to develop an application which is more conservancy oriented Muduva Nyangana & George Mukoya Namibia Exclusive Safaris completed construction of the Kavango Hunting Retreat (although MCA-N grant funding is still pending the environmental clearance) and has employed six full time staff members, including two women. NNF has liaised between the investor, the conservancies, representatives of the traditional authority and MET on issues such as staff employment, the problem of people living within the exclusive wildlife zone, and the provision of an additional water point for wildlife. Namibia Exclusive Safaris is also interested in developing the camps in Khaudum (now that Namibia Country Lodges has pulled out) and a tourism information centre along the Trans-Caprivi highway. The information centre has the potential to provide craft sales opportunities as well as increasing business for the Kavango Retreat and the camps at Khaudum. The conservancies are waiting for approval from MET for them to start negotiations with Namibia Exclusive Safaris about the Khaudum camps North Central hunting contracts NDT has assisted with the review of hunting contracts for north-central conservancies. In the case of Uukwaluudhi and Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana, the new trophy hunters have not yet given precise dates when they will be able to meet with the committee for this exercise. Sheya Shuushona s hunter has not done any hunting since signing the contract, so the committee and its investor are searching for a new partner. Page 32

33 Iipumbu ya Tshilongo The conservancy committee met Etosha National Park management in September to update them on progress with conservancy formation and discuss how the conservancy can collaborate with Etosha, and consider if there is any potential for a concession. Etosha staff members gave a presentation on tactics used by poachers both in the parks and conservancies and methods that can be used to curb poaching Nyae Nyae CDSS and NNFDN, with the conservancy s encouragement, held a series of meetings with a potential investor for the Nyae Nyae conservancy, Figure 9: Meeting between Etosha management and Iipumbu ya Tshilongo representatives. and the team prepared a pre-joint venture grant proposal. The conservancy reviewed the proposal prior to submission to MCA-N. The purpose of the grant will be to support the professional input of an architect, energy specialist, quantity surveyor and possibly an engineer, with renovation plans for Tsumkwe Lodge and designs for a new bush camp. CDSS suggested to MCA-N that the entire eastern region s tourism economy should be considered as a whole. This perspective would require a comprehensive, integrated approach, including possible grants for Tsumkwe Lodge, a new bush camp, the two Khaudum camps, marketing and pre-jv grant support. MCA N gave a favorable response to this suggestion Kwandu IRDNC has continued to assist the conservancy in preparing its application for the Susuwe concession in Bwabwata National Park. The application was resent to the Concessions Unit, after initial submission in early, with yet another follow up letter requesting for a meeting with them. In the meantime IRDNC assisted the conservancy to prepare for their presentation to the Concessions Unit when invited possibly in October Mashi The implementation of the financial dashboard system at Namushasha Lodge has been further delayed by the change in ownership of the lodge. However, during this quarter, IRDNC has still been able to assist the conservancy to analyse the financial information from the lodge in preparation for a joint management committee meeting. There was also a meeting with Gondwana about the possibility in being more innovative with regards to the fee structure, so that it becomes easier for the conservancy to monitor. In addition IRDNC and CDSS have worked with Gondwana on summarising the JV contract in a two page document that clearly outlines the compliance matters that each party should be adhering too. The next step is for Gondwana to internally review the suggestions, and if favourable, to hold meetings with the conservancy committee. The conservancy believes that Camp Kwandu is unnecessarily delaying the signing of a joint venture contract. As the Camp Kwandu owners are also investing in a joint venture lodge in Salambala the conservancy feels that a similar contract could be developed for their partnership Delays have been so protracted that members question their committee about the status of the contract at the AGMs year after year. IRDNC will continue to support the conservancy to pressurise the lodge to get a contract signed. Ideally it should be similar to the one that was signed with Namushasha Lodge as there is no reason why the conservancy should not treat the two lodges in a similar way. The difficult negotiations over Mavunje campsite continued. Residents of Ngonga village believe that the campsite belongs to them and convinced the operator that he should enter into a deal directly with them Page 33

34 rather than the conservancy. IRDNC has suggested that he signs a contract with the conservancy (as the Ngonga village is not a legal body) but that the village remains the chief beneficiary. However, this has not yet been approved by the broader community, and conflicts are being fuelled by rival traditional leadership factions in the area. IRDNC will continue to work very closely with MET, the conservancy, and the people of Ngonga to come to a solution. Mashi conservancy signed a contract with a new hunter this year. A site was selected for the hunting camp at Bambwaana Campsite, which had been established by group of individuals in the conservancy many years ago but was never fully operational. Once the new contract was signed the site was turned into a hunting camp which contributed to job creation in the area both during the construction and operation. As the investor proceeded with developing the hunting camp it became clear that ownership and benefits from the hunting camp were not well articulated in the contract. The contract made no mention of how income from the camp would benefit the conservancy and the old management committee of Bambwaana camp. IRDNC will help to resolve this situation Mayuni Last year a proposal to upgrade the Nambwa Campsite (Bwabwata National Park) into a tented campsite was presented to the Concessions Unit. While in principle the Concessions Unit had no objection to renewing the concession rights and allowing the conservancy to upgrade the site into tented accommodation, there was some concern about it being based on a direct award as opposed to a tender process. There have been a number of discussions on this and a recommendation from the technical committee of the Concessions Unit that there should be an open and transparent process in the allocation of the operator s contract. However there are elements in the Ministry which believe the tender process is too complex and discriminates against local interested investors. As a result, to date, there has been no clear feedback from the Concessions Unit regarding the status of this application. It is planned for the Chief to visit the Minister to establish what the process should be, particularly as he has indicated a preference for a direct award. There have been on-going discussions with Caprivi Collection and the conservancy to finalise the joint venture grant proposal for Kubunyana Lodge. A contract has already been signed, but due to the economic down-turn in recent years the investors have been reluctant to invest and start the construction. The joint venture grant would unlock this opportunity Kasika Now that Kasika has been identified as one of the MCA targeted conservancies, CDSS and IRDNC staff members visited the conservancy to establish the possibility of securing a joint venture grant. The conservancy was very interested and further discussions were held with the private sector operator, Brett McDonald, who has recently been employed by Ohlthaver & List. McDonald has been involved in Kasika for the past five years and initially discussion centred on the possibility of investing into Kings Den, a lodge that has been closed over the last five years but has potential. However McDonald then explained that he had drawn up a business plan to develop the Water Wilderness Experience with floating chalets. The position of the chalets straddles the boundary with Impalila. Meetings were then held on site and leaders and representative of both conservancies were in principle keen to reach a deal with McDonald. There have been three further meetings with the investor and with Ohlthaver & List, and a draft proposal has been drawn up for the conservancies and sent to the investors for their consideration and input. Further discussions are still needed to determine the exact conditions. The project is large enough for the two conservancies to be able to invest N$ 10 m Wuparo Discussion is currently underway with Nkasa Lupala about setting up a predator reward scheme. When tourists see predators they will make a small payment, which in turn leverages external funding as well as local funding (i.e. from the conservancy, if the funding goes towards the compensation scheme). The purpose of the fund is to develop a strong link between predators (primarily hyena and lions) and direct payments, which can then be Page 34

35 used to cover the cost of hosting them. This scheme will be further refined and brought to the conservancy during the next quarter Balyerwa There has still been no engagement between Caprivi Collection and the conservancy on the future of Matota Lodge that was bought from Wilderness together with the Lianshulu Lodges in Mudumu National Park. This is partially because Caprivi Collection is focusing on the Kubunyana Lodge (see Mayuni) and there are uncertainties with the purchase of the Lianshulu Lodges due to the stalled negotiations between Wilderness and MET in revising the concession agreement. This has to be finalized before Caprivi Collection can formally conclude the purchase from Wilderness Sikunga Progress on joint venture negotiations with existing lodges has been slow. The membership of the reference group that should carry out these negotiations has been changed, and it is now proposed that the new members should attend the joint venture training in October, after which they can start the negotiations Impalila There are worrying signs that the relationship between the conservancy and the management of Impalila Island Lodge is worsening. This is partially because of the confusion over the details of the contract that was signed in haste at the beginning of the year. The Conservancy feels cheated of income that was supposed to be paid in arrears; however, this was not clearly spelt out in the contract. IRDNC and CDSS need to follow up with both parties in the new quarter to ensure there is not a total breakdown of the relationship. Impalila is also part of the discussions with Ohlthaver & List in respect of the Water Wilderness project. See more detail under Kasika above Salambala The conservancy and Camp Chobe are interested in developing a grant proposal for enlarging the camp from 20 to 30 beds in return for a higher fee to the conservancy. However, after having reached agreement in principle, the private sector partner was informed by the lcustomary andholders that he is not allowed to add to the land that has been currently set aside. This matter is going to have to be resolved and the conservancy is planning to hold meetings with the landholder and with the traditional authority. Page 35

36 Figure 10: Camp Chobe Legal Technical Assistance CDSS engaged lawyer Uda Nakamela to carry out legal reviews on the joint venture agreement and grant agreements for the following developments: Kavango Retreat Omatendeka Etendeka Sorri Sorris. Grootberg Palm Camp He also helped Uibasen to resolve issues surrounding Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, including the outstanding payment owed to the conservancy, which has accumulated to more than N$ 800,000, the review of a proposed sale agreement and a new operator s agreement. By the end of September, the lodge had not been sold, nor had the conservancy received any back- payments due. CDSS engaged a lawyer to travel to Sorri-Sorris to try to resolve the outstanding issues with Red Mountain and Madisa. He also met the investor and provided recommendations on the way forward. CDSS reviewed and advised the Big 3 on the final draft of the Palmwag concession operators agreement and supported the Concessions Unit on the implications of the Attorney General s legal opinion to the Minister with regard to related party transactions and on the proposed sale of Camp Synchro in Marienfluss Tourism SME Product Development Kunene North Ehi-rovipuka Conservancy contacted IRDNC after the negotiations for the Ewe-romuti campsite with Round River (a US-based NGO that brings students to the Kunene Region) failed. The conservancy considers the site is Page 36

37 an excellent tourism opportunity and are looking for an alternative plan. The conservancy has recently established a partnership with AfriCat Foundation and the Kavita Lion Lodge to monitor the lion movements and human wildlife conflict within the conservancy. AfriCat approached the conservancy with the suggestion of expanding their offices to make a satellite office for AfriCat and in turn provide additional support to the conservancy. However, the conservancy responded to AfriCat with a counter suggestion to develop a tourism facility at Ewe-romuti and the AfriCat offices be based there. Further discussions are needed to finalise the way forward. The Fig Tree campsite in Sesfontein suffers from its close proximity to the village, so there have been discussions about moving it, perhaps to the location of Elephant Song camp owned by Archie Gawusab. The newly elected committee had not seen this site, or indeed the rest of the Hoanib River, so a trip was organised to the area. It was decided that it is not worth moving Fig Tree camp since the only items of real worth are the solar showers. Therefore the conservancy decided to concentrate on submission of a grant to MCA-N for the development of six to eight dry camps along the Hoanib River. It would also like to establish gates near Elephant Song and in the Kanamub to control access. In order to proceed there must be agreement amongst the committee on the way forward, and the proposal will need to be discussed at a general meeting as the conservancy will either need to purchase a vehicle or secure funds to repair its old vehicle. Finally IRDNC and CDSS will help the conservancy develop a grant application. Jeff Muntifering, from Save the Rhino Trust, was asked by CDSS to develop a feasibility study on the possibility of developing rhino tourism in Kunene Region. The most attractive options that came out of this work are in Torra (either at Poachers Camp or near the Springbokwasser) and in Puros (at Okongue), although there is also a possibility associated with Palmwag Lodge once the new structure is determined. Various discussions have taken place on the possibility of developing lion tourism in the Kunene Region. The main purposes of this project are to a) monitor the movement of lion within the conservancies and warn farmers when lions are approaching homesteads and b) increase the value of lion within the conservancies in order to justify people living with the predators. The project will aim to focus on areas where there is a high concentration of lions and where the threat is the greatest, including Torra, Anabeb, Sesfontein, Ehi-rovipuka and Puros. AfriCat and Dr Stander have offered support. The response was positive and over the next two quarters this project will be developed and implemented. Anton Esterhuizen, the professional hunter sub-contracted by Conservancy Hunting Safaris for Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas and Marienfluss, contacted IRDNC about the possibility of developing hunting camps, and a number of meetings were held to discuss the possibility of applying for an MCA-N grant for Puros and Sanitatas. Currently the operator is making use of the Puros Bush Lodge and House on the Hill; which is having a negative impact on the tourism activities in these areas, particularly when trophies are dried close to the accommodation facilities. While conservancies are getting some income from shoot & sell contracts, the prices paid are relatively low compared to the products that can be provided from game carcasses. To address this potential opportunity, CDSS contracted a game meat value chain specialist, Dr Diane van Schalkwyk, to undertake a feasibility study of value addition to game harvested in conservancies. Value addition, including biltong, smoked meat and skin preparation does hold considerable potential, although there are challenges of food safety, technical assistance and marketing. CDSS and Dr van Schalkwyk are working with another potential donor to try secure funding for technical assistance beyond the life of CDSS. If this is successful there is a strong possibility that a clustered SME proposal will be developed on behalf of at least eight Kunene conservancies Kunene South NNF helped Doro!nawas conservancy to register Granietkop campsite with the Namibia Tourism Board, completing the leasehold application, getting a support letter from the traditional authority, arranging Page 37

38 payment of the leasehold fee in Otjiwarongo (it can only be done at the First National Bank which is not in Khorixas) and meeting NTB to discuss the way forwards. The Sorri-Sorris information centre needs additional support before it can become fully operational. The major constraint is the lack of water. The Khorixas Rural Water Supply Office (Ministry of Agriculture) was asked for assistance with this. They visited the centre and suggested that a request from the conservancy be sent to the Ministry in Windhoek, but that the Khorixas office would send the conservancy a report of their findings to accompany their request. The conservancy are still waiting for this report. MCA-N approved the re-submitted Hoada campsite grant on condition that an agreement is signed between the conservancy and the neighboring farm that supplies water to the campsite. This was underway as of the end of September, with no objections or difficulties anticipated. The conservancy is already paying a builder to be on site, working alongside the campsite manager and other campsite staff. Andrew Malherbe, a new member of the NNF field staff with experience in artisanal mining, undertook a feasibility study of the gem stones mined in the Sorri-Sorris conservancy to see what impact the Figure 11: Gemstone mining site in Sorri-Sorris mining is having on conservation and tourism activities and whether it is possible to provide livelihood benefits from gem stone sales, particularly at the information centre, without having a negative environmental impact. One problem identified is that most or all mining done thus far in the conservancy has been illegal in nature and proper paperwork is needed before any more digging work is done North Central Annie Symonds carried out assessments on the potential for craft and other SME developments in King Nehale, Sheya Shuushona and Iipumbu ya Tshilongo conservancies. Following this a grant application has been prepared for Tulongeni craft project in King Nehale. A business plan has been developed for the upgrading of Otjipahuririo community campsite in Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana Kavango Opportunities for small tourism enterprises in the Kavango conservancies are limited by the low number of tourists visiting the area. It is considered that one of the most favourable opportunities is the possibility of improving craft quality, distribution, marketing and sales. The Omba Trust has been engaged to assist with the development of crafts in this area, and NNF has been providing logistical assistance, particularly preparing the Kandjara Women craft group for this support. There is some mistrust between group members and no proper structure in place. Karin le Roux from Omba visited the area from 24 th -28 th September 2008 and met some weavers and carvers. The quality is currently poor but the planned training workshops are intended to improve this and to assist with marketing Otjizondjupa NNDFN helped Nyae Nyae develop a grant application for craft development, including the supply of craft to Hui-a Khoe in Germany and engaging craft makers in some of the most remote villages in the conservancy to ensure the benefits from craft sales go to the broadest possible range of villages. The Grashoek (N a Jaqna) grant was completed, comprising of infrastructure development, including a new reception and signage (see photo on front cover of report) and three camp sites each with dry toilets, bucket Page 38

39 showers and braii slabs. New marketing materials (brochures and posters) were also developed, printed and distributed. Keith Sproule visited Grashoek Living Museum and discussed product development opportunities with the community. This led to the inclusion of some new activities including story-telling and night dances around the fire Caprivi The Mafwe Living Museum in Kwandu was started as a community project but some individuals who have been particularly closely involved feel a strong sense of individual ownership. The Living Museum wishes to apply for an MCA-N grant. In order to do so they will need to enter into an agreement with the conservancy, but this is proving difficult. IRDNC has assisted the museum with a leasehold application to the Ministry of Lands. In Wuparo, Mayuni and Salambala IRDNC assisted conservancy campsites to implement new management systems and checklists which IRDNC assists with monthly monitoring. Nambwa and Rupara campsites have been busy during this peak season. IRDNC has provided grant support to the Kingfisher Bakery and Wuparo Crafts, although there have been delays. The builder for the Wuparo Crafts is only available in November, and finding an appropriate builder for Kingfisher has been difficult. Inception meetings have been held with Sikunga and Impalila on the fisheries grants. Wuparo conservancy will be the beneficiary of up to 20 donated mountain bikes through the organization Wheels of Change. This donation is the result of the exchange trip to the US in September. The host in Montana, Mr Dan Austin of Austin-Lehman Adventures, is a primary supporter of Wheels of Change in the US. During the exchange trip he announced the bike commitment during a reception in Billings, Montana. The bikes will be shipped and delivered during the first quarter of They are intended for tourists to engage in a village bike tour. This new venture is actively supported by the joint venture lodge partner who will promote it to his client. CDSS project support has helped with business planning, coordination and communication. 5.4 Business Study Tour and In Service Training Joint venture exposure trips From 9 th 12 th August, representatives from Sesfontein, Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas and Marienfluss participated in an exposure trip to Grootberg Lodge ( Khoadi -//Hôas), Damaraland Camp (Torra) and Palmwag (Anabeb, Sesfontein and Torra). Although Sesfontein previously received the joint venture training, the new committee has very little experience in joint venture negotiations and the understanding of joint operations, so they were invited to take part in the training and exposure trip with the northern cluster conservancies. The lodges were identified for their varying relationship between the conservancy and the operator, and their different management structures. At each lodge, the group was met by the manager who spent some time discussing how the lodge was established, how it operates and the payment structure, as well as the contract and the relationship between the conservancy and the operator. The conservancies could then compare this with their own joint venture partnerships. They had the opportunity to see how the financial dashboard was operating at Grootberg Lodge and all recognised that this was a particularly useful tool Lodge placements A strong relationship exists between the CBNRM Programme and our private sector joint venture partners, especially with Wilderness Safaris, Grootberg Lodge, Caprivi Collection, Gondwana Group, Okahirongo Lodges and Nkasa Lupala Lodge. Each of these partners has agreed to host conservancy representatives for purposes of lodge placements. Page 39

40 Process started Draft completed Reviewed by CC Final Draft Approved CDSS Quarterly Report July to September 5.5 Natural Resource Management Technical Assistance Event Book System In July and August mid-year audits were conducted in Anabeb, Sesfontein, Ehi-rovipuka, Omatendeka, Marienfluss, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Puros and Ruacana/Uukolonkadhi (an NDT site). Pre-audit training was conducted with Omatendeka, Sesfontein, Orupembe and Puros. Auditing of the community game guards books and the monthly reporting event books was conducted and support provided where needed. Most of the conservancies performed well, with the exception of Puros (which failed to turn up), Sesfontein and Marienfluss. The new committee at Sesfontein is taking action to improve the situation. At Marienfluss the problem is the appointment of a new, inexperienced field officer. Mid-year audits were carried out at the Kunene South conservancies. Books were missing at Doro!nawas. There still seems to be a lack of commitment by committees at Doro!nawas, Sorri-Sorris and Uibasen to monitor activities and this results in game guards not being given the support they need to carry out all of their activities. NNF and regional MET staff supported the game guards from George Mukoya and Muduva Nyangana, going through the game count plan and how it should be done this year to improve results. NNDFN assisted Nyae Nyae and N a Jaqna conservancy rangers with preparations for the full moon game count in both conservancies. The mid-year event book audit was held in July for all Caprivi conservancies. IRDNC has been initiating a weaning system where, for the past year and a half, conservancies have been encouraged to carry out the audits independently. IRDNC staff members were present, but the audits were mostly carried out by the conservancies themselves. This approach places the conservancy in charge of monitoring their own performance and allows them to make decisions to improve or adapt where required Management Planning and Zoning CDSS has initiated an activity with the Natural Resources Working Group (NRWG) to align all conservancy contracts (trophy hunting, tourism etc.) with zonation plans. While there is a large degree of compliance, zonation is not yet generally at the centre of contracts. A database has been established, so that as zonation plans are updated, contractual obligations are reflected in the document. Table 5 shows progress on wildlife management and utilisation plans and table 6 shows progress on zonation. Table 5: Progress with wildlife management and utilisation plans. Progress in this quarter shown in red. Notes Orupembe x x x x Final draft developed this quarter Sanitatas x x x x Final draft developed this quarter Ehirovipuka x x x x Omatendeka x x x x Sesfontein x x x x Torra x x x x Puros x x x x Final draft developed this quarter Anabeb x x x x Marienfluss x x x x Final draft developed this quarter Doro!Nawas x x x x x Uibasen x x x x x Page 40

41 Process started Draft completed Reviewed by CC Final Draft Approved Poster distributed CDSS Quarterly Report July to September #Khoadi//hoas x x x x x Sorris Sorris x x x x x Uukolonkadhi/Ruacana x An existing draft plan is available but requires review Sheya Uushona x An existing draft plan is available but requires review King Nehale x An existing draft plan is available but requires review Uukwaluudhi x An existing draft plan is available but requires review Iipumbu ya Tshilongo New conservancy, process will start soon Muduva Nyangana x x 1st draft completed, still need to be reviewed George Mukoya x x 2nd draft completed, still need to be reviewed Nyae Nyae x An existing draft plan is available but requires review in 2013 N=/a Jaqna x An existing draft plan is available but requires review in 2013 Kwandu x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Mayuni x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Mashi x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Wuparo x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Balyerwa x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Sikunga x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Impalila x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Salambala x x x Finalised zonation plan to be included Table 6: Zonation plans. Progress in this quarter shown in red. Notes Orupembe x x x x Sanitatas x x x x Ehirovipuka x x x x Omatendeka x x x x Sesfontein x x x x Torra x x x x Needs to be reviewed Puros x x x x Needs to be reviewed Anabeb x x x x Marienfluss x x x x Doro!Nawas x x x x x x New / updated poster was printed & distributed Uibasen x x x x x x Poster distributed #Khoadi//hoas x x x x x x Poster distributed Sorris Sorris x x x x x x Poster distributed Uukolonkadhi/Ruacana x Existing plan outdated and requires review Sheya Uushona x Existing plan outdated and requires review King Nehale No zonation plan, need to initiate the process Page 41

42 Uukwaluudhi x Existing plan outdated and requires review Iipumbu ya Tshilongo New conservancy, process will start soon Muduva Nyangana x There is an existing zonation plan which needs to be reviewed George Mukoya x There is an existing zonation plan which needs to be reviewed Nyae Nyae x x x x x Existing no revision planned N=/a Jaqna x x x x x Existing no revision planned Kwandu x There is an existing plan but comprehensive review required Mayuni x There is an existing plan but comprehensive review required Mashi x x x First draft of new plan under review by conservancy after zonation work shop. In the process of incorporating all JV compliance issues into local zonation rules. Wuparo x x x First draft of new plan under review by conservancy after zonation work shop Balyerwa Process to start in third quarter Sikunga Process to start in third quarter Impalila Process to start in third quarter Salambala x There is an existing plan but comprehensive review required. Sesfontein Conservancy asked IRDNC to help with feedback to members from the wildlife biology training in order to ensure that the information was shared as accurately as possible. This was conducted by Eben Tjiho; however, he allowed the participants who were present at the training to give all the feedback and just added or corrected information where needed. N a Jaqna conservancy received assistance from John Hazam in July and August after the conservancy complaint to the Otjozondjupa Land Board regarding the illegal fences in the conservancy. The land board has asked John Hazam to assist with the investigation and removal of the fences, so he has been liaising with the conservancy and the Ministry of Lands regarding the appropriate process to follow. In September this was followed up with an interdict to compel the land board to investigate the illegal fences as they Figure 12: Zebra being released at Doro!nawas have still taken no action. NNF assisted Doro!nawas, Sorri Sorris and Uibasen conservancies with game translocation preparations. This included coordination between the different parties, selection of suitable release sites and reinforcement of the need for recipient conservancies to assist with post-release monitoring. There were problems with the release of some zebra as the actual dates were communicated late and the operator was under time pressure. This meant the release taking place at night, with no conservancy staff available to assist. For one translocation exercise no-one from Doro!nawas was there to receive the animals. Page 42

43 Between August and September a total of 338 head of game was translocated to Uukolonkadhi/Ruacana Conservancy. No decision has been made about the core conservation area, and whether to fence it and provide extra water point,s because this is dependent on an MET evaluation which still has not been carried out. Figure 13: Identifying wildlife corridors in Wuparo conservancy. IRDNC worked with Wuparo s conservancy management committee, traditional authority representatives and village development committee members to carry out management planning and zonation planning and to identify rules and regulations which would apply in each of the zones. During preparations for annual plans, which are due to be presented at the Caprivi AGMs in November and December, IRDNC assisted Caprivi conservancies to ensure that their workplans address priorities that have been identified in their wildlife management and utilization plans. It was recognised however, that a number of wildlife management and utilisation plans require significant revision. Page 43

44 Process started Draft completed Reviewed by CC Final Draft Approved CDSS Quarterly Report July to September Natural resource management rules and regulations In August IRDNC representatives attended a meeting scheduled by MET to discuss the quota setting process for, and in September they attended another meeting in Grootberg to develop the programme for the quota setting and finalise all preparations. IRDNC carried out a detailed review of wildlife utilisation in Torra. The ticketing system is being used but the tickets did not accompany the hunting party during the hunt and transport of the game carcasses, and there was a period when the field officer was in hospital (approximately three weeks). In July no tickets were issued for own use. The process was explained again and the conservancy will update the compliance and ticket book for those animals that were not recorded during the absence of the field officer. From 27 th 29 th August Richard Fryer, a consultant employed by IRDNC, assisted MET staff with section three of the hunting guide practical examination for the conservancy coordinator from Khoadi H as conservancy. The coordinator passed the examination and is now registered with the MET. He still needs to conduct a first aid course and an arrangement in this regard has already been made. In the long term, having qualified and experience staff members should allow the conservancy to carry out its own use shooting Human wildlife conflict mitigation Table 7 shows progress with human wildlife conflict mitigation plans. Table 7: Progress of human wildlife conflict plans. Progress in this quarter shown in red. Notes Orupembe x x x Sanitatas x x x Ehirovipuka x x x Omatendeka x x x Sesfontein x x x Torra x x x x Puros x x x Anabeb x x x Marienfluss x x x Doro!Nawas x x x x x Certain components were approved and implemented (Not full doc) Uibasen x x x x x Certain components were approved and implemented (Not full doc) #Khoadi//hoas x x x x x Certain components were approved and implemented (Not full doc) Sorris Sorris x x x x x Certain components were approved and implemented (Not full doc) Uukolonkadhi/Ruacan a x x x x x The plans were discussed and approved at area meetings. Sheya Uushona x x x x x The plans were discussed and approved at area meetings. King Nehale x x x x x The plans were discussed and approved at area meetings. Uukwaluudhi x x x x x The plans were discussed and approved at area meetings. Page 44

45 Iipumbu ya Tshilongo New conservancy, process will start soon if identified as a priority Muduva Nyangana x x x The plan has been discussed at village meetings George Mukoya x x x The plan has been discussed at village meetings Nyae Nyae x Draft to be completed in September N=/a Jaqna x Draft to be completed in September Kwandu x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Mayuni x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Mashi x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Wuparo x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Balyerwa x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Sikunga x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Impalila x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Salambala x x x x Need to be approved at AGM Kunene North IRDNC visited Puros, Sesfontein, Anabeb, Omatendeka and Ehi-rovipuka to review human wildlife conflict issues in order to identify the most important sites for support through a grant application. This involved a series of meetings with each conservancy, while possible interventions were also shared with a range of IRDNC and CDSS staff. The priorities have not yet been finalised, but will be complete by the first quarter of In September a meeting was held with Sesfontein, Puros, Torra and Ehi-rovipuka conservancies and MET, AfriCat, Conservancy Safaris Namibia and Dr Stander to discuss the increasing lion problems being experienced by the conservancies and to develop immediate mitigation measures as well as medium term plans. The drought conditions in the west are forcing farmers to graze their livestock in areas where there is a greater risk of losses to lions. Two principal problem areas where stock is currently being lost were identified: Elephant Song in the Hoanib Valley (Sesfontein conservancy) and the Gomatum Valley (Puros conservancy). While all at the meeting agreed that lions are important, they felt that if no action is taken lions may be killed by community members. The desert lions have become iconic and any damage to them reflects negatively on Namibia s CBNRM programme. It was agreed that funds will be sought to cover the first six months salary of two lion monitors in Sesfontein Conservancy (Puros and Ehi-rovipuka already have lion monitors). The lion monitors will act as an early warning system to alert members when lions are close to cattle and, in addition, tour operators can make use of the lion monitors to provide lion tours which would result in a larger direct income to the conservancy. Conservancy Safaris Namibia has raised N$ 12,000 as start-up funds for this project. Some members had concerns about the proposed project because they feel that they do not receive enough compensation for the loss of livestock and this project would not benefit them directly or replace their livestock Kunene South A key component of the human wildlife conflict grant to Uibasen conservancy is the drilling and testing of a borehole. This was undertaken, but the borehole collapsed during the pump testing. Two boreholes were successfully drilled at an alternative site at farm 741 and samples taken for lab analysis of the suitability of water for wildlife and livestock use. A report was recently submitted to the NNF. Discussions are underway as to which of these boreholes should be developed. The kraal was erected in mid September but is now only being used by one farmer rather than the five originally selected. This is due to the large numbers of livestock in this area. Implementation of the water infrastructure protection project in Khoadi conservancies started in September and an inception report was drafted. Hoas, Doro!nawas and Sorri-Sorris Page 45

46 The guard dog programme in Sorri-Sorris, Doro!nawas, Khoadi H as and Torra continued. NNF employed Gail Potgieter, who had previously worked on guard dogs for the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Targeting the five southern Kunene conservancies, the project began by conducting two-three day workshops in each conservancy from the 2 nd of July to the 3 rd of August. These workshops were aimed at key people within the conservancies, with the goal of training the trainers. In total, 104 local participants attended (70 men, 34 women) the trainings. Figure 14: Drilling for water in Uibasen The main objectives of the workshops were: 1) to provide a broader perspective on human-predator conflict, 2) to share information on predator behaviour and ecology, 3) to identify the causes of livestock losses more accurately, 4) to discuss means of protecting livestock from predators, 5) to plan the way forward for implementing mitigation measures. The workshops were highly successful and the results show a marked increase in knowledge and awareness among the participants. Figure 15: Guard dog in Kunene South Since the workshops, key nocturnal predation hotspot areas have been identified using the event book data of the previous two years and local knowledge. Two sites from each conservancy (except the smallest, Uibasen-Twyfelfontein one site) have been identified from these data for building predator-proof livestock kraals. In addition, 123 local working livestock guarding dogs have been assessed as candidates for the guard dog breeding programme in each conservancy. Four to seven dogs will be chosen per conservancy to start the conservancy-specific breeding programmes. The offspring of these dogs will be placed with farmers that suffer from diurnal predation of small stock animals. Page 46

47 North Central Work has continued on the development of human wildlife conflict grant proposals for Uukwaluudhi and Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana. Members feedback has been received on human wildlife conflict management plans, and they are awaiting endorsement at the AGMs Otjizondjupa NNDFN helped Nyae Nyae to develop a draft human wildlife conflict plan. Figure 16: Predator proof kraal in use at Uibasen The Nyae Nyae human wildlife conflict grant to develop and protect five game water points was successfully completed within this quarter Caprivi IRDNC organised an event for all conservancy field officers on the use of the human wildlife conflict tool kit developed by BioHub in Zimbabwe. The participants took part in role playing on conflict scenarios and in a demonstration on the use of a chilli gun. Each of the participants was given a tool kit which they are expected to roll out in their conservancy by training their fellow community rangers and assisting communal farmers when faced with human wildlife conflict situations. Figure 17: Installation of solar pump at Nyae Nyae water point Page 47

48 6 Grants Table 8 (below) shows the current status of grants funded by MCA-N. Table 8: Current state of MCA-N conservancy tourism grants. 1 2 Short title of grant Protecting 5 game water points from elephant damage Human wildlife conflict 3 Guard dogs 4 5 Protecting water infrastructure HWC mitigation in Mudumu North complex Conservancy Proposal Submitted Approved Date of Agreement Status Nyae Nyae 22-May-11 Yes 31-Aug-11 Complete Uibasen 22-May-11 Yes 31-Aug-11 Ongoing Doro!Nawas, Sorris Sorris, Uibasen, Torra, Khoadi //Hôas Doro!Nawas, Sorris Sorris, Uibasen, Torra, Khoadi H as Mashi, Kwando & Mayuni 01-Nov-11 Yes 10-Apr-12 Ongoing 30-Apr Apr-12 6 HWC mitigation Torra 30-Apr-12 Yes 14-May-12 Yes 14-May-12 Yes 14-May-12 Progress in this quarter Final report submitted and revised. Awaiting MCA-N approval Quarterly Report 2 submitted and approved. Inception report submitted and approved. Grant amendment to deliverables still required. Consultant contract revised. 07-Sep-12 Inception Phase Inception report being drafted 10-Sep Sep-12 Inception Phase Inception Phase 7 Tourism Expo 2011 All conservancies 28-Feb-11 Yes 27-Jul-11 Completed Submitted and revised M&E plan. Agreement drafted, revised and signed. Technical expert hired. Inception report being drafted Submitted and revised M&E plan. Infrastructure priority sites submitted. Agreement drafted, revised and signed. 8 Marketing Materials All MCA-N Supported Conservancies 28-Feb-11 Yes 27-Jul-11 In progress Grant extended to 31 July 9 Adventure Travel World Summit 2011 Torra & Mayuni Conservancy Reps 25-Aug-11 Yes 11-Oct-11 Completed Page 48

49 Table 8: Current state of MCA-N conservancy tourism grants. Short title of grant Conservancy Proposal Submitted Approved Date of Agreement Status Progress in this quarter 10 Tourism Expo All conservancies 31-Oct-11 Yes 17-Feb-12 Completed Adventure Travel World Summit Grant Conservancy tourism exchange Wildlife Translocations - purchase, capture and transport Wildlife Translocations to conservancies of MET game - capture and transport Grootberg Lodge Extension All conservancies 30-Apr-12 Yes 26-Jun-12 In progress Mudumu South Complex, Mudumu North Complex, Doro!Nawas, Sorris-Sorris, Uibasen, Khoadi H as and Sikunga Doro!Nawas, Sorris-Sorris, Uibasen, N a Jaqna, Nyae Nyae, George Mukoya, Muduva Nyangana, Kwandu, Mashi, Mayuni, Balyerwa, Wuparo, Sikunga and Salambala 27-June-12 Yes 22-Aug-12 Exchange visit concluded 14-Mar-11 Yes Completed 14-Mar-11 Yes Completed Khoadi H as 22-May-11 Yes 23-Jul-12 Construction ongoing Q2 and final report submitted and approved Submitted M&E plan. Agreement drafted, revised and signed. Report being drafted. Documentation submitted: Lodge management, marketing and reservations agreement Letter of cooperation between Khoadi Hoas Conservancy and Africa Safari Lodge Foundation ASLF loan agreement to Khoadi Hoas Conservancy Revised budget Environmental clearance from MET Architects oversight reports Agreement signed. Page 49

50 Table 8: Current state of MCA-N conservancy tourism grants. Short title of grant Conservancy Proposal Submitted Approved Date of Agreement Status Progress in this quarter 16 Nkasa Lupala Tented Camp Wuparo 22-May-11 Yes 30-Sep-11 Completed 17 Sorris Sorris Lodge Sorris Sorris 31-Oct-11 Yes Approved 18 Omatendeka Lodge Omatendeka 31-Oct-11 Yes Approved 19 Sheya Shuushona Lodge 20 Kavango Retreat Sheya Shuushona 31-Oct-11 Yes Muduva Nyangana & George Mukoya 30-Apr-12 Yes Approved 21 Tsumkwe Lodge Nyae Nyae 22-May-11 No Etendeka Mountain Camp Anabeb and Omatendeka 30-Apr-12 Yes 28-Sep-12 Inception Phase 23 Tsumkwe Pre-JV Nyae Nyae 26-Sep-12 M&E plan, environmental scoping study & environmental management plan submitted. Increase in investment percentage confirmed. Revised budget and workplan submitted. Agreement being finalised M&E plan, environmental scoping study & environmental management plan submitted. The Conservancy and operator have agreed to increase the payment from 8% in the first ten years to 10% and from 10% in the second ten year period to 12%. Agreement being finalised Awaiting response from MET on concession application. Submitted leasehold and M&E plan. Environmental and social screening completed; EMP to be developed in October. Revised M&E plan. Grant agreement signed. On-going provision of legal assistance for establishment of the trust. The trust will be finalised during the next quarter. Page 50

51 Table 8: Current state of MCA-N conservancy tourism grants. Short title of grant Conservancy Proposal Submitted Approved Date of Agreement Status Progress in this quarter Grashoek Living Museum Development Hoada Campsite Expansion Wuparo Craft Centre King Fisher Bakery and Vegetables Nyae Nyae Craft Project Sikunga fishing reserve Impalila fishing reserve Opuwo processing facility visitor centre N a jaqna 30-Sep-11 Yes 31-Jul-12 Complete Khoadi H as 31-Aug-11 Yes Wuparo 31-Oct-11 Yes 5-Jun-12 Ongoing Kwandu 31-Aug-11 Yes 4-Jun-12 Ongoing Nyae Nyae 30-Apr-12 Yes Sikunga 30-Apr-12 Yes Impalila 30-Apr-12 Yes Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 30-Apr-12 Yes Agreement and amended agreement signed. Inception, Q1 and final reports submitted. Final invoice submitted. Submitted leasehold and draft benefit distribution plan and M&E plan. Agreement drafted. Inception report submitted and approved. Amendment with extended delivery dates pending. Inception report submitted and approved. Procurement is delaying implementation. Amendment with extended delivery dates pending. Letter of rental agreement and M&E plan submitted to MCA-N. Agreement being drafted. Submitted endorsement letter from Ministry of Fisheries and M&E plan. Agreement under final review. Inception meeting held. Submitted endorsement letter from Ministry of Fisheries and M&E plan. Agreement under final review. Inception meeting held. MCA-N approved proposal, o/s docs required for grant agreement IRDNC deed of registration Establishment of Commiphora Conservancy Association MoU to be developed between IRDNC and association Page 51

52 Table 8: Current state of MCA-N conservancy tourism grants. Short title of grant Conservancy Proposal Submitted Approved Date of Agreement Status Progress in this quarter Environmental clearance certificate Detailed budget 32 Ngoma craft centre Salambala 30-Apr-12 Yes M&E plan submitted. Grant agreement finalised awaiting signature. 33 Mashi craft centre Mashi 30-Apr-12 Yes M&E plan submitted. Grant agreement finalised awaiting signature. Page 52

53 7 Other activities 7.1 Development of qualifications Conservancy members have frequently raised the need to have training courses that result in recognised qualifications. While the process of getting courses accredited through the Namibian Qualifications Authority is likely to be very time-consuming and may put qualifications beyond the grasp of conservancy staff with poor writing skills, the example of the NATH guiding qualifications indicates that unofficial qualifications recognised by peers and employers may still have significant value. CDSS has employed a consultant to review the training modules and job categories within conservancies to provide a way forwards for developing NACSO accredited informal qualifications. 7.2 US Amb r v t t unene IRDNC provided support to conservancies in preparing for the US ambassadors trip to the Kunene Region from 22 nd to 24 th July. She visited Etendeka lodge (that had recently received an MCA-N grant) and Palmwag lodge; where IRDNC and CDSS have been providing logistical support to the Big 3 conservancies in their negotiations with Wilderness Safaris Namibia. 7.3 Chief Mayuni visit to Argentina CDSS project staff and partners provided communication and coordination support for Chief Mayuni and another member of his conservancy to travel to Salta, Argentina, hosted by the state government there. This trip was originally a prize won by the chief in Chiapas, Mexico, during the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS). The overall experience proved extremely positive for the two travelers, and the Argentinian hosts expressed great pleasure that it happened. 7.4 US Under- ecret ry v t t ng Ne le In August NDT assisted King Nehale conservancy with the visit of US Under-secretary for Economic Growth, Energy & Environment, Robert Hormats. The US Ambassador and the MCC Country Director accompanied Mr Hormats. Figure 18: Visit of Mr Robert Hormats to King Nehale Conservancy Page 53

54 7.5 US Exchange visit Figure 19: Exchange visit participants marketing Namibia. From 5 th to 19 th September, 14 participants travelled from Namibia to the USA to learn and share knowledge with a native American tribe, for whom the conservancy model is directly relevant, as well as to visit the largest concessionaire in the US National Parks, Xanterra Resorts International. The trip participants attended and spoke at the annual Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) held in Monterrey, California. The participants learned about and experienced adventure tourism, shared ideas at the TIES Conference and had the chance to put Namibia on the map to the US travellers. We are anticipating a substantial increase in the number of visitors to Namibia from Montana (population almost one million) as a result of this visit. Page 54

55 Figure 20: Exchange visit participants putting Namibia on the map. 7.6 Monitoring and Evaluation The NORC evaluation team visited Namibia in August, and CDSS gave them a thorough briefing on our intervention logic, data collection processes and field activities. Work on monitoring and evaluation of grants continued. With the increasing number of grants in preparation, this has become an increasingly significant task. Data collection and compilation for the State of Conservancy report continued. 7.7 Gender and Social In an effort to bolster its capacity and to cultivate a common understanding of and approaches to the concept of gender, CDSS (in partnership with the MCA-N) organized a two day training of trainers workshop in Otjiwarongo. The workshop was attended by 17 members of the CDSS team (10 men, 7 women), including field and hub members, and also representatives from MCA Namibia, various resource persons and trainers from Life Line who conducted the training. The workshop was considered a welcome boost by the participants as it has improved the knowledge and confidence level of participants, particularly the field staff members who will need to deliver social and gender training at the conservancy level. The graph below demonstrates that although the participants had a good level of understanding in terms of the gender concepts, the post test results indicate that new insights and understanding was realized as a result of the workshop intervention. Page 55

56 No. of Participants CDSS Quarterly Report July to September Learning about Gender Pre-Test Post Test Figure 21: Changes in understanding on gender issues after training of trainers. After the workshop, the process of holding local level social and gender awareness workshops at conservancy level has gained momentum with three workshops involving five conservancies from Kunene north and North- Central Region taking place within the period August October. During these workshops the conservancies developed gender action plans that will identify key interventions aimed at improving gender equity at the conservancy level. In this report we have taken Kunene north as an example as this region is strongly patriarchal Puros Marienfluss Orupembe Sanitatas male female Figure 22 : Current employment situation in some of the Kunene north conservancies developed during a gender workshop held 24 th -26th September, Opuwo. Figure 16 shows the current employment situation in some of the conservancies of Kunene north. Despite the challenges that remain, significant progress has been made through the lifetime of the entire CBNRM programme. For example, in Puros conservancy, which employs over 40 people, there are nearly as many women employed as men. Sanitatas on the other hand has only employed men. Page 56

57 Sanitatas 1 5 Orupembe 3 6 female Marienflus 7 9 male Puros Figure 23: Current participation levels of women and men at conservancy committee level, developed during gender workshop held 24 th -26th September, Opuwo. One of the CDSS project indicators is that participation of women at conservancy committee level must be at least 40%. Some of the conservancies have already exceeded this target, such as Orupembe (50% of women representation), Marienfluss (78% women representation). We are aware that the quality of gender representation and participation goes beyond mere numbers. CDSS partners will therefore continue to provide support to all the conservancies with the aim of achieving greater gender balance in the wider sense. As indicated already one of the key outcomes of the gender workshop is that conservancies developed gender action plans. What follows below is an extract of a gender action plan developed for one of the conservancies (Sanitatas). Table 9: Example of Social and Gender Action Plan format / template Current situation Women representation at cc level 17% Employment situation, 100% men only Key Activities By whom Support required By when Feedback meetings Local level meetings and education workshops Training on gender Exposure visits to other conservancies to learn from gender empowerment initiatives Committee reps at training Committee Desired Future Situation by 2014 Women representation at least up to 40% Employment situation, 35% women, 65% men IRDNC October IRDNC, Ministry of Gender IRDNC, Ministry of Gender November November Committee IRDNC 10 January CDSS is in the process of initiating discussions with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare aimed at establishing and strengthening cooperation with the ministry as the scope of the activities generated as a result of the awareness on social and gender issues calls for a multi stakeholder collaboration and approach. Page 57

58 8 Discussion The final two conservancies have been added to the list for support. Iipumbu ya Tshilongo was gazetted on 15 th May and it was added to the list for support through a contract amendment signed on 26 th June. This quarter we have focussed on developing a plan for support to this new conservancy. Our ability to deliver support is constrained by the fact that there is currently no income being generated by the conservancy, so much of the training is theoretical, and it is important not to overload the new committee members with training that will have no immediate practical application. We have focussed on building a relationship with the committee members and local traditional authority members, and have ensured that MET and the regional government are fully informed of our activities. We are carrying out a series of evaluations of the prospects for revenue generation for the conservancy. Results from the evaluation of small and medium enterprises were not encouraging. The only enterprises that appeared to have any chance of success were not linked to tourism or natural resources. In light of this, and the likelihood that evaluations of prospects for joint venture tourism and consumptive utilisation are unlikely to reveal great opportunities, it will be essential to manage expectations. Kasika was approved as the 31 st conservancy for support by on 8th August. Kasika has been established for much longer, and already has two joint ventures (though one is currently not operating). Again, however, it will be necessary to abbreviate the programme of support (and reallocate some of the planned input to other conservancies) because of the problem of potential training overload. Kasika is a difficult conservancy to work in because of problems of access, but it is hoped that some economies of scale may be achieved by combining some activities with Impalila. Discussions have been taking place about a major joint venture development between the two conservancies. The process of applying for grants, and getting them approved, has generally gone well, and we are on target in terms of the number of grants submitted. Administration of the grants has been improved by taking on a grants administrator, and we are grateful to MCA-N for agreeing to fund this position. However, there are two major issues with grants. One is that there is a long delay between grant submission and the start of the implementation process. Part of the reason for this is the need for MCA-N to get the grants reviewed by experts in Namibia, and then to get a no-objection from MCC in Washington. The other is the difficulty of satisfying some of the pre-conditions. The most difficult of these have been the need for securing leasehold rights and to obtain an environmental clearance certificate. MCA-N has assisted significantly with streamlining the process for leaseholds by agreeing to proceed with SME grants, provided that leasehold applications have been submitted and approved by the relevant traditional authority, and by engaging with land boards and agreeing to cover the costs of extraordinary land board meetings, if these are needed to fast-track leasehold applications for joint ventures. Concession applications continue to be a bottleneck, although the situation has greatly improved in this quarter with the Concessions Unit being moved to the Directorate of Natural Resource Management. The Sheya Shuushona grant is still being held up by a lack of formal response to the concession application, and good opportunities in Mayuni Conservancy and around the Skeleton Coast are dependent on a concession being awarded. More than half of the grant fund has been committed, and in order to complete the joint venture activities it would be helpful to access additional funds from MCA-N to increase the total size of the fund. Because of uncertainties around concessions, and in some cases, because investors have not yet formally committed, it is difficult to be precise about how much additional funding will be required. We held a series of meetings with field partners to determine which grants should be given the highest priority. Grant possibilities were ranked on a scale of 1-3 on the following criteria. Category 1 grants are as follows: Joint ventures that either have a high probability of obtaining co-financing with investors, or are of high strategic importance (e.g. Palmwag) and have a medium to good chance of implementation. Page 58

59 SMEs or marketing for conservancies without other grant opportunities or with very limited income at present, or innovative (meat value addition), or linked to other MCA-N programmes (rhino tracking, traversing, and again: meat value addition). Human wildlife conflict and translocation (water provision) grants either for conservancies without other grant opportunities or where there is a strong economic argument. Category 2 grants are for joint ventures which are important but still have unresolved issues. Category 3 are those that we are not actively pursuing, but may become relevant if external circumstances change, or if category 1 or 2 opportunities fall through. Because there are external factors, such as the response from MET to concession requests and the final decision by an investor to commit matching funds, affecting the probability of a grant possibility becoming a certainty, we have also given each grant a probability in order to work out the final need for funds. This probability changes quite rapidly in response to developments. For instance if a new operator starts at Palmwag, this will greatly increase the probability of a viable grant opportunity being developed. Table 8 shows the current status of grant proposals under discussion and preparation. Including category 1 and 2 proposals, and assigning realistic probabilities of implementation, the chart suggests that a total of approximately N$ 40 m will be required. Current unallocated grant funds amount to only N$ 26 m, leaving a short-fall of N$ 14 m. Page 59

60 Table 10: Grants in preparation. Name Type Conservancy Projected MCA amount priority probability weighted amount Palmwag JV Torra Anabeb Sesfontein 10,000, % 8,000,000 Lodge Kubunyana Lodge Comment JV Mayuni 5,000, % 4,500,000 Caprivi Collection has a signed JV agreement and is making payment, but nothing is built yet. They still have to provide a business plan and figures. Potential to package with Susuwe Island Lodge upgrade/renovation. Camp Chobe JV Salambala 3,100, % 2,170,000 Camp Chobe has a JV agreement and is completing phase 1 of the building. MCA investment will go into Phase 2 Chobe Water Safaris JV Kasika and Impalila 10,000, % 7,000,000 No JV agreement but positive initial discussions with conservancies, site identified and business plan in place. Etambura JV Orupembe 1,100, % 550,000 Needs extra rooms, water supply, and kitchen. Not clear if funds would be adequate. Still disagreement within conservancy about way forwards, linked to House on the Hill Nzuma Island JV Kwandu 2,000, % 200,000 Dependent on concessions unit Hobatere Roadside Tsumkwe Lodge JV Ehirovipuka 2,000, % 400,000 Prospects for Ehirovipuka Roadside are dependent on the Concessions Unit. JV Nyae Nyae 1,300, % 1,040,000 Tied into the Eastern Region Tourism Development Strategy Bush Lodge JV Nyae Nyae 1,500, % 1,200,000 Tied into the Eastern Region Tourism Development Strategy Page 60

61 Khaudum JV George Mukoya & Muduva Nyangana Meat processing King Nehale Crafts House on the Hill SME Ehirovipuka, Sanitatas, Puros, Orupembe 5,000, % 4,000,000 Tied into the Eastern Region Tourism Development Strategy 2,800, % 1,960,000 Feasibility consultancy underway SME King Nehale 499, % 449,345 Feasibility study & draft proposal completed SME Orupembe 500, % 250,000 Conservancy still undecided, linked to Etambura. Meeting to determine way forward planned for mid-september. Rhino tracking SME Torra, Puros 500, % 450,000 Feasibility study completed, but requires more discussion before a proposal can be prepared. Khowarib SME Anabeb 500, % 400,000 possible deal with African Eagle to upgrade facilities being used by them Information SME Sorris Sorris 500, % 350,000 centre Granietkop SME Doro!nawas 500, % 350,000 campsite Namushasha SME Mashi 500, % 450,000 cultural centre Community SME Sanitatas 350, % 175,000 campsite Hoanib River SME Sesfontein 300, % 150,000 dry camps Campsite SME Ehirovipuka 500, % 50,000 Expo 2013 Marketing 250, % 225,000 need to focus more on MCA investments Traversing Marketing Torra, perhaps Doro!nawas, Sorri-Sorris 500, % 450,000 Voluntary traversing & camping fee system - including payment system, brochures, signage. Feasibility study to be carried out in Nov Page 61

62 ATWS Marketing 500, % 450,000 support conservancy participation in ATWS and hosting fam trips Waterpoint HWC Uukolonkadhi/Uukwaluudhi protection 1,200,000 Crocodiles HWC Uukolonkadhi 80,000 Crop/croc HWC Wuparo/Balyerwa protection 80,000 Crop/croc HWC Caprivi east protection 1,000,000 Waterpoint HWC Omatendeka, Ehirovipuka, protection Anabeb, Sesfontein, Puros 2,500, % Should be ready by end October 1 80% pending feedback from MET 2 80% Should be ready by end October 2 80% Should be ready by end October 1 80% IRDNC preparing - may also include new waterpoints Water point Translocation Na Jaqna 810, % 729,000 submitted Water point Kavango 750, % 675,000 Proposal being prepared Total 56,119,272 40,511,345 Page 62

63 9 Plans for Next Quarter Table 9 shows the training courses planned for the next quarter. Table 9: Training courses planned for October to December Course Conservancy(ies) Dates 1.1 Constitution development King Nehale November 1.2 AGM management Khoadi H as November/early December 1.3 Management committee Khoadi H as November/early December 1.4 Stakeholder communication and Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi- 7 th 9 th November relationship management Rovipuka, Omatendeka 1.4 Stakeholder communication and relationship Management Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 27 th 29 th November 1.5 Social and gender awareness Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi- 24 th 26 th October Rovipuka, Omatendeka 1.5 Social and gender awareness Sorri Sorris 12 th -13 th October 1.5 Social and gender awareness Doro!Nawas 29 th -30 th October 1.5 Social and gender awareness All North-Central conservancies 21 st 23 rd November 1.5 Social and gender awareness George Mukoya & Muduva Nyagana 7 th -8 th November 1.6 Public speaking and presentation All North-Central conservancies 21 st 23 rd November 1.9 Distribution planning and benefit Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas and 8 th 18 th October sharing Marienfluss (one day per conservancy) 1.9 Distribution planning and benefit Ehi-Rovipuka and Omatendeka 16 th 17 th October sharing 1.9 Distribution planning and benefit sharing Torra, Anabeb, Sesfontein 29 th 31 st October 1.10 Conservancy framework/management planning Iipumbu ya Tshilongo 6 th 9 th November 1.11 Staff management King Nehale 23 rd -24 th October 1.11 Staff management Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana 23 rd 24 th October 1.11 Staff management Sheya Shuushona 29 th 30 th October 1.11 Staff management All Caprivi conservancies 29 th October 2 nd November 1.12 Project management Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 11 th 13 th December 2.0 a Basic business George Mukoya and Muduva Nyagana 6 th -7 th November 2.0 (b) Tourism awareness - committee Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, 14 th 16 th November Marienfluss 2.0 (b) Tourism awareness - committee Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi- 4 th 6 th December Page 63

64 Rovipuka, Omatendeka 2.0 (b) Tourism awareness - committee Doro!nawas 19 th -20 th November 2.0 (c) Tourism awareness - general Dora!nawas 19 th -20 th October 2.0 (c) Tourism awareness - general Khoadi H as 10 th October 2.1 Tourism JV development Sorri-Sorris 13 th -16 th November 2.1 Tourism JV development All Caprivi conservancies 22 nd 25 th October 2.2 Tourism enterprises & products Orupembe, Sanitatas, Marienfluss 11 th 13 th December 2.2 Tourism enterprises & products Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana 7 th 8 th November 3.4 Quota setting Sheya Shuushona 1 st October 3.5 Game utilisation Puros 12 th 13 th November 3.7 Management planning and zonation Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi- Rovipuka, Omatendeka 20 th 22 nd November 3.9 Law enforcement Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi- 16 th 17 th October Rovipuka, Omatendeka 3.9 Law enforcement Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, 23 rd 24 th October Marienfluss 3.9 Law enforcement Nyae Nyae and N a Jaqna October 3.10 NRM Nyae Nyae and N a Jaqna October 9.1 Institutional Technical Assistance Governance AGM support: Sanitatas (16 th October ), Omatendeka (22 nd October ), Marienfluss (11 th November ), Torra (November ), Marienfluss (13 th November ), Uibasen (November ), Khoadi H as (10 th November ) both Kavango conservancies (December ), all Caprivi conservancies except for Wuparo, Nyae Nyae (8 th -11 th October ). Constitution review Ehi-Rovipuka, Omatendeka, Sesfontein, Torra (November ) Constitution review and AGM out-reach meetings and management for Uukwaluudhi, King Nehale and Sheya Shuushona; general meeting support for Iipumbu ya Tshilongo Support village meetings and monthly committee meetings in Kavango. Assist committees in developing annual financial reports, work plans and budgets for 2013 for Kavango. support to benefit distribution in Nyae Nyae in November/December as agreed at the AGM Continue with constitution reviews in Salambala, Mashi & Balyerwa Financial Management Continued monthly support to financial books Management Planning Quarterly review Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas and Marienfluss (8 th 18 th October ), Ehi- Rovipuka and Omatendeka (18 th 19 th October ), Anabeb, Sesfontein and Torra (29 th 31 st October ). Planning support to Iipumbu ya Tshilongo Completion of N a Jaqna management Plan including detailed plans for 2013 Review Impalila management plan framework Review Kasika management plan framework Page 64

65 9.1.4 Staff Management Support in reviewing staff appraisal system for all Kunene conservancies (November and December ) Staff policy development and staff training for King Nehale, Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana, Sheya Shuushona and Iipumbu ya Tshilongo. For both Kavango conservancies develop job descriptions for game guards employed at hunting camp. Development staff policy and contracts for Kavango conservancies. Develop asset registers for both Kavango conservancies, elect responsible staff member to monitor these and develop a protocol for handing over of conservancy assets. Assist Nyae Nyae conservancy with recruitment of five new staff members including a project coordinator, three rangers and a member of water team. 9.2 Business and Tourism Technical Assistance Basic Business Khowarib Community Campsite Anabeb Conservancy Fig Tree Campsite Sesfontein Conservancy Puros Bush Lodge and Community Campsite Puros Conservancy Marble Campsite Orupembe Conservancy Okorahombo Campsite Marienfluss Conservancy Implementation of campsite management systems & facilitation of campsite staff contracts in Wuparo & Salambala Financial Sustainability Financial sustainability workshop all Kunene north conservancies (26 th and 27 th November ) Development of benefit distribution plans all Kunene north conservancies November and December Development of financial sustainability plans all Kunene north conservancies December Tourism Joint venture Development JV financial dashboard Puros, Marienfluss and Torra JV negotiations o Serra Cafema Marienfluss Conservancy o Camp Synchro Marienfluss Conservancy o African Eagles Anabeb Conservancy o Palmwag Lodge Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra Conservancies o Khowarib Lodge and Safaris Anabeb Conservancy o Hobatere Roadside Concession Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy o Ehi-Rovipuka Hunting Camp Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy o Finalise formation of Etendeka trust. o Finalise agreement on purchase of Camp Synchro by new operator at meeting on 2 nd November. Support to restructuring Twyfelfontein Assist Sheya Shuushona with the updating of the concession application and accompanying them to concession committee for presentation on 11 th October. Evaluation of tourism opportunities in Iipumbu ya Tshilongo October. Facilitate reviewing of the hunting contract and preparing concession presentation for King Nehale. Develop JV monitoring tool to be used at joint management committee meetings at Kavango Retreat and complete the environmental management plan. Follow up with regional MET staff progress on the new Khaudum JV. Page 65

66 If approved, implement the Nyae Nyae pre-jv grant and ongoing discussions with potential JV partner, Naankuse. Assist outstanding conservancies to present to the Concessions Unit Facilitate development and signing joint venture contracts in Mashi and Mayuni. Implement financial dashboard system in Mayuni, Mashi & Wuparo. Establish a joint reference group for Kasika/Impalila. Continue assistance with possible new hunting contracts for 2013 in Caprivi. Engage with Impalila lodge and conservancy to ensure that there is no worsening of the relationship Legal Technical Assistance Continued support to joint venture agreements Tourism Small and Medium Enterprise Product Development Finalise grant applications for Hoanib river dry camps (Sesfontein) Khowarib bush cabins (Anabeb) & Sanitatas campsite. Meet Africat to discuss options for camp in Ehi-Rovipuka conservancy Develop grant proposals for hunting camps in Puros and Sanitatas Lion Project Torra, Anabeb, Sesfontein, Puros and Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancies Rhino Project Torra and Puros Conservancies Follow-up on the Doro!nawas grant proposal drafted by SMEs Compete and follow up on the NTB registration for Granietkop. Officially presenting the tourism study and reworking the Otjipahuriro business plan for Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana Craft development workshops for craft makers from the George Mukoya and Muduva Nyagana conservancies 16 th -20 th October, 5 th -9 th November and one later in November. Signing and initiation of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy craft grant. Develop formal relationship between Mafwe Living Museum and Kwandu conservancy. 9.3 Business Study Tour and In Service Training Joint Venture Exposure Trips Exposure trip for Sorri-Sorris Lodge Placements The following is the schedule of lodge placements to take place during the fourth quarter of and the first quarter of The priority is for lodge placements in Kunene North and Caprivi conservancies during the months of November, December and January Conservancy # of Reps Lodge/Camp Dates Participants Sesfontein 3 Damaraland Camp 29/11 to 09/12/ Ehirovipuka 2 Dolomite Camp 20/11/ to 09/12/ Mashi 2 Nkasa Lupala Lodge 29/11/ to 09/12/ Torra 3 Grootberg Lodge 29/11/ to 09/12/ Mayuni 2 Susuwe Island Lodge 07/01/2013 to 18/01/2013 Chairperson, camp manager and treasurer Chairperson and office administrator Chairperson and conservancy manager Project manager, secretary and camp manager Chairperson and conservancy manager Page 66

67 Omatendeka 2 Okahirongo Elephant Lodge 07/01/2013 to 18/01/2013 Puros 2 Fort Sesfontein 07/01/2013 to 18/01/2013 Anabeb 2 Doro!Nawas Camp 07/01/2013 to 18/01/2013 Chairperson and conservancy manager Project manager and bush camp manager Financial administrator and camp manager We foresee the placement of not less than 16 representatives from eight additional conservancies during the first quarter of 2013, and certainly before the 2013 high season. 9.4 Natural Resource Management Technical Assistance Event Book System Support to newly appointed field officer in Marienfluss Management Planning and Zoning Puros Conservancy (18 th October ) Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi-Rovipuka and Omatendeka conservancies (22 nd November ) NRM assessment for Iipumbu ya Tshilongo. Resolve zonation issues and prepare translocation grant for Kavango conservancies. Assist Caprivi conservancies to develop conservancy wide zonation plans and maps involving all stakeholders of target conservancies Assist Caprivi conservancies to implement their wildlife management and utilization plans Natural resource management rules and regulations Trophy Hunting Monitoring System - Anabeb, Sesfontein, Torra, Ehi-Rovipuka and Omatendeka (23 rd November ) Assistance to Nyae Nyae and N a Jaqna with preparations for quota setting. Assistance to the rangers of Nyae Nyae and N a Jaqna in collating game count data in October. Assist Caprivi conservancies to develop rules and regulations for resource use Develop a draft of rules and regulation for resource use with stakeholders and share with conservancies Human wildlife conflict mitigation Follow up on the contractor s report regarding the new boreholes drilled at the Uibasen conservancy. CDSS staff to give training to game guards on the use of the camera traps. NNF Windhoek to request a no cost extension. Procure all equipment requested for the kraals and breeding dog programme in Kunene South. Erect kraals on locally identified homesteads. Select dogs from villages for the breeding programme. Identify a building contractor for water protection measures in Kunene South, procure building materials and begin construction. Assist Caprivi conservancies to implement their human wildlife conflict management plans Ensure Caprivi conservancy committees share the final draft of human wildlife conflict management plans with the membership for approval Assist with the implementation of the Mudumu north human wildlife conflict grant activities Support Mudumu South Complex and Chobe Zambezi Complex to write human wildlife conflict grant proposals. Page 67

68 Annex 1: Level of effort per task TASK 1. Institutional Training Overall planned LoE (days) Level of effort for this quarter Level of effort to date (days) 1.1 Constitution Development/Revision % 1.2 AGM Management % 1.3 Management Committee Training % 1.4 Stakeholder Communication % 1.5 Gender Awareness Training % 1.6 Public Speaking and Presenting % 1.7 Policy and Legislation % 1.8 Financial Management % 1.9 Distribution planning/benefit sharing % 1.10 Management Plan Development % 1.11 Staff Management % 1.12 Project Management % 2. Business & Tourism Training 2.0a Basic Business % 2.0b Tourism Awareness % 2.0c Tourism Awareness % 2.1 Tourism joint venture Development % 2.2 Tourism SME Product Development % 2.3 Tourism Guiding % 3. NRM Training 3.1 Event Book System % 3.2 Game Count Training % 3.3 Game Value % 3.4 Quota Setting % 3.5 Game Utilisation % 3.6 HWC management % 3.7 Management planning & zoning % 3.8 Wildlife biology/ behaviour % 3.9 Law enforcement % % Page 68

69 TASK Overall planned LoE (days) Level of effort for this quarter Level of effort to date (days) 3.10 NRM % 4. Institutional Tech. Assistance 4.1 Governance % 4.2 Financial Management % 4.3 Management Planning % 4.4 Staff Management % 5. Business & Tourism Tech. Assistance 5.1 Basic Business % 5.2 Financial Sustainability Plans % 5.3 Tourism joint venture Development % 5.4 Legal TA % 5.5 Tourism SME Product Development % 6. Business Study Tour/In-Service Training 6.1 Joint Venture Exposure Trips % 6.2 Lodge Placements Natural Resource Management Technical Assistance 7.1 Event Book System % 7.2 Management Planning & zoning % 7.3 NRM rules & Regulations % 7.4 HWC Mitigation % % Page 69

70 Annex 2: Conservancy success story - Etendeka On 2 nd March, during a landmark event in Namibia s Kunene Region, the Anabeb and Omatendeka Conservancies signed a 20-year concession operator contract for the Etendeka Concession with Dennis Liebenberg, Roger Fussell and Lindy van den Bosch of the Etendeka Lodge Company. The award of this concession by communal area conservancies to a tour operator is the first of its kind in Namibia and is a significant step forward to implement the Ministry of Environment and Tourism s visionary policy on tourism and wildlife concessions, which gives preference to communities that live adjacent to or inside protected areas. The Etendeka Concession area covers 40,000 ha in one the most remote and scenic corners of the Kunene region (northwest Namibia). Thanks to local conservation efforts, this arid and rugged area is home to abundant populations of wildlife including lion, elephant and black rhino set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. A long series of events led has to the award of the concession area to the Anabeb and Omatendeka conservancies which began as far back as 1986 when the area was first given out as a tourism concession by the Administration for Damara. From 1991, tour operator Dennis Liebenberg began operating the lodge Etendeka Mountain Camp an exclusive, low-impact nature experience aimed mainly at special interest tourists. At the time, conservation efforts had begun in earnest local by Community Game Guards from neighbouring communities supported by IRDNC and the Save the Rhino trust and wildlife populations had begun their remarkable recover to today s impressive populations. In 1996, recognising the importance of engaging with his neighbours, a move which was not required of a concessionaire, Liebenberg worked with IRDNC to consult with and later distribute a bed night levy fund to Page 70

71 local communities. This accumulated fund was based on a payment of N$10 per tourist per bed night and was distributed between five communities surrounding the concession and identified as using the same resource base. A payment of approximately N$8000 was made to each of the five communities. These were to later become the Anabeb, Omatendeka, Ehirovipuka and Sesfontein conservancies. Further payments were then held and paid to Anabeb and Omatendeka who were later identified by MET and other stakeholders as the communities to benefit from the Etendeka concession. The next step of the process began as far back as 2006, when MET and local communities began the process of negotiating the Etendeka Head Concession which was finally awarded to Anabeb and Omatendeka on 2 nd March Based on this, the two conservancies were jointly awarded exclusive tourism concession rights to the Etendeka Concession. The conservancies then undertook a request for proposal process and awarded a concession operator contract to the Etendeka Lodge Company (Liebenberg and partners), based on its strong track record of working with the neighbouring communities, as well as their excellent financial offer and empowerment plan. Under the terms of the concession operator contract the conservancies will renovate the existing tented camp and develop a new lodge in the concession area, while the Etendeka Lodge Company will contribute furniture, fixtures and equipment, operating capital, and will be responsible for maintaining the fixed and moveable assets. In return for their contribution to the project, the conservancies will receive a concession fee (for the concession rights, including use of the land etc) and a building fee (for the use of the renovated and new infrastructure). The conservancies and operator have completed phase 1 of the project, and have renovated and expanded the existing tented camp. This phase is being funded with a N$1.5m recoverable grant (soft loan) awarded to the conservancies by the Ford Foundation via the African Safari Lodge Foundation (ASLF). In May, the conservancies were awarded a grant MCA-N for an amount of N$1,181,550 that will repay a large portion of the Ford Foundation soft loan. The World Bank s ICEMA project in Namibia also contributed a N$1.2m grant. When phase 1 renovations are complete and the camp is operating at its expected potential, it is projected that the conservancies will receive approximately N$320,000 in concession fees and building fees during the first year, increasing to approximately N$870,000 in year five. It is anticipated that 14 people will be employed and earning aggregated salaries of approximately N$773,045 per annum by year five. Page 71

72 The opening of the upgraded camp marks the beginning of a new era for the Anabeb and Omatendeka conservancies and a range of partners including their tourism partner, the Etendeka Lodge Company, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the African Safari Lodge Foundation, IRDNC and more recently MCA Namibia. Page 72