16 Apr 2013

A total of 15 dikgosi and one tribal secretary from Ngamiland have started their visit to selected community trusts and conservations in Botswana and Namibia.

According to information from Ngamiland tribal office, the purpose of the two-week trip was to promote knowledge sharing, provide a learning experience and create an understanding of best practices in Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) and trans-boundary biodiversity conservation issues with their counterparts and other community based organisations (CBOs) in Caprivi.

The information further stated that the aim was alsor aimed at highlighting the role that the traditional leaders could play in mobilising their communities' participation in the management of the natural resources for their benefit and that of the environment and in the promotion of CBNRM as a rural development tool.

Ngamiland tribal secretary, Ms Sereto Moitatodi said the exchange trip was fully sponsored by Southern Africa Regional Environmental Program (SAREP)  and would cover transport expenses, accommodation and meals, adding that they would be a small stipend for incidental expenses.

“This is the first of its kind when dikgosi embark on a trip, especially aiming at knowledge exchange and also going across the border to meet with their counterparts. We hope to have this initiative annually, provided we have sponsors” added Ms Moitatodi. 

Meanwhile, the team would also visit Mababe Community Trust and Sankoyo Development Trust and head to Kasane on Wednesday. They would visit Salambala and Sikunga Conservancies on Friday to appreciate fishing activities at Lake Liyambezi and other tourism and CBNRM.

In Namibia, the delegation would also have a daylong panel discussion with Mayuni conservancy facilitated by Chief Mayuni about Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC), CBNRM, the role of tribal authorities in conservation, human and financial resources managed before meeting with the conservancy committee. ENDS