Symbiotic Relationship between Okonjima & AfriCat - Wayne Hanssen Part 1

Conservation and tourism are probably the most compatible activities in a country like Namibia. Many tourists only take photographs, but contribute financially to the welfare of the country. In communal farming areas, now largely grouped into so-called ‘conservancies’, consumptive (hunting for meat and trophies) and non-consumptive (photographic and game capture) utilization of wildlife is effectively contributing to poverty reduction, at the same time, ensuring a balanced, sustainable ecosystem. Importantly, however, the impact of over-utilization of this natural resource and mass tourism on these extremely sensitive eco-systems, should be effectively monitored, in order to prevent destruction of that which supports communities and attracts our valuable tourist trade.

The symbiotic relationship which exists between the AFRICAT FOUNDATION and OKONJIMA LODGE & Nature Reserve, is imperative to the continued survival of both – without education and wildlife research, the essential conservation of endangered species and large carnivores would falter … and without the substantial financial support offered by our foreign visitors, who stay in the OKONJIMA lodges, neither would survive!

However, for now our borders are still closed, due to the covid-19 pandemic- and we have no idea when they will open up again. . . .

If you would like to support the work of the AfriCat Foundation – please go to our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/africat-needs-your-help or donate online: https://africat.org/donate-online

TO WATCH PART 2 CLICK HERE - https://youtu.be/9KgwpG5Kf98