Namibia

Namibia plays a critical role in the Okavango Basin, where the Kavango River forms a lifeline along the country’s northern border with Angola. Flowing downstream toward the Okavango Delta, this river supports both people and ecosystems across national boundaries, making its protection essential to the health of the entire region.

The Kavango Wilderness Project (KWP), part of the Wild Bird Trust family, leads conservation efforts in Namibia as the local implementation partner of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP). Working along the river and within surrounding landscapes, KWP combines scientific research with Traditional Ecological Knowledge to better understand and protect this dynamic system.

In Namibia, the focus is on safeguarding the river as it flows through communities and increasingly pressured environments. This includes long-term water monitoring, ecological restoration, and efforts to reduce pollution and human-wildlife conflict—ensuring that both biodiversity and livelihoods can be sustained.

At the heart of this work is partnership with local communities. Through environmental education and community-based initiatives, KWP supports people living along the Kavango River to play an active role in conservation, strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.