AfriCat’s mission is the long-term conservation of Namibia’s wildlife, in particular predators and endangered species.
The AfriCat Foundation was established in 1993 by the Hanssen family to support their efforts to protect Namibia’s wildlife. Their objective was to find ways for Namibian farmers and land owners to co-exist with its wildlife, in particular predators that are the first victims of human-wildlife conflict.
Our Mission & Strategy
Around the world, the most significant threats to wildlife conservation stem from habitat loss driven by human activity. Deforestation, land degradation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion are major contributors to habitat destruction. Human-wildlife conflict and poaching often escalate as human activities encroach on once-wild areas. Climate change and pollution further exacerbate these challenges, rendering many natural habitats unsuitable for wildlife to thrive.
Namibia is globally recognized for its commitment to wildlife conservation. Remarkably, 70% of Namibia’s wildlife resides outside national parks on communal lands and freehold farms. These areas are home to species like pangolins, wild dogs, and the largest wild population of cheetahs in the world.
Namibia’s conservation strategy focuses on balancing environmental sustainability, economic development, and community involvement. It aims to preserve biodiversity by enabling local populations to benefit directly from wildlife through sustainable initiatives such as meat consumption, trophy hunting, and eco-tourism. While these strategies all add value to wildlife and incentivize communities to manage habitats responsibly, eco-tourism stands out as the only non-consumptive approach.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve was specifically established to secure protected habitat for wildlife, with its creation and maintenance entirely funded by tourism. It serves as a compelling example of how tourism can drive successful conservation efforts.
The AfriCat Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that the Okonjima Nature Reserve maximizes its contribution to wildlife conservation through three interrelated strategies:
Conducting Research on Protected Areas:
- Assessing Reserve Sustainability: Research within the Reserve focuses on assessing the contribution of enclosed protected areas to wildlife conservation. This includes assessing the sustainability of the ecosystem within the Reserve.
- Advancing Conservation Knowledge:
The Reserve provides unique opportunities to answer critical conservation questions that would be difficult to address in other settings. - Improving Reserve Management:
Research findings are used to refine and enhance the management practices within the Reserve, ensuring its long-term ecological health and effectiveness in conservation.
