Lion rangers , along with several conservancies in the Kunene Northwest , were on Friday honoured at a special event in Opuwo for their passion , commitment and successes in guaranteeing the region ‘ s wildlife ‘ s survival . To support wildlife conservation and reduce human – lion conflict in northwestern Namibia , four lion rangers representing six conservancies received certificates , trophies , money , and small livestock to recognise their dedication to their respective conservancies in 2024 . Rinoveni Tjauira of the Namibian Lion Trust – Omatendeka Conservancy remained in first place after trekking nearly 5 000 km in the previous month . He was rewarded 10 goats along with the award he also won last year . Esau Matundu ( 3 ) and Kaidue Uaroua ( 2 ) of Ehi – Rovipuka Conservancy also retained the awards they earned last year . This year ‘ s awards witnessed the rise of a female ranger , Olga Karizemi of the Orupupa Conservancy , who walked away with N . dollars 2 000 and a goat after trekking over 2 000
kilometres during the period under evaluation . Furthermore , as part of conservation efforts , conservancies and communities are entrusted with ensuring a healthy lion population and decreasing human – wildlife conflict in the Kunene environment , in exchange for performance – based payments . Beneficiary groups include the Conservancy Management Structure , Conservancy Members / Community , and Conservancy Lion Rangers . Sesfontein received N . dollars 244 775 in performance payments for lion conservation in Kunene , followed by Ehirovipuka ( N . dollars 209 492 ), Orupupa ( N . dollars 218 313 , Anabeb ( N . dollars 227 133 ), Omatendeka ( N . dollars ( 349 492 ), and Torra conservancy ( N . dollars 349 492 ), bringing the total amount to over N . dollars 1 . 4 million . Minister of Environment and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta stated in a speech read on his behalf that the thriving presence of desert – adapted elephants , lions , and rhinos in this region demonstrates nature ‘ s resilience , diversity , and uni
queness , adding to the Kunene community ‘ s contributions to not only national , but international biodiversity goals . ” It is almost one year since we gathered in Kunene South to undertake a similar exercise for beneficiaries in and around that area . Our return today is testament to our commitment as MEFT together with our partners CCFN , KFW and others to ensure that solutions to the core issues of livelihoods and HWC that impact our CBNRM programme are drafted and effectively implemented on an ongoing basis ,” he said . In a speech read on his behalf , Community Conservation Fund of Namibia ( CCFN ) chairperson Andrew Corbert reaffirmed the organisation ‘ s commitment to supporting initiatives that protect biodiversity and promote long – term coexistence between humans and wildlife in Namibia ‘ s exceptionally remote wilderness areas , such as the Kunene northwest .

Source: The Namibia News Agency