05 Mar 2020

The success of community trusts is premised on good governance, good financial management and execution in running them, states Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO) executive director.

Interviewed by BOPA on the sideline of the ongoing community trusts workshop in Maun, Mr Siyoka Simasiku urged trust members to do more in the successful implementation of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme.

NCONGO organised a five day workshop to drill members on topics including sustainable wildlife management, CBNRM as a rights based economy strategy and building an inclusive wildlife economy.

The meeting also touched on tax matters, land rights, head leases and the use of plans, tourism marketing strategies and business partnerships.

Mr Simasiku explained that members needed to be capacitated for the trusts to produce the desired results.

He said some lacked knowledge on issues such as joint ventures, business negotiating skills hence prone to being taken advantage of and maladministration.

Mr Simasiku stated that trusts were charged taxes yet were not companies and were trying to negotiate that they be exempted.

“Through this workshop, we are assisting trust members with tools to excel in their operation. We want them to be able to assess available opportunities for the benefit of the community,” stated Mr Simaku.

Mr Simasiku said they would, after the workshop, compile a report that would be shared with relevant authorities to see how best to address challenges faced by community trusts and ensure smooth implementation of CBNRM.

He said they were equally concerned by issues of maladministration and financial embezzlement common with trusts and believed that the training would provide solutions to such.

Mr Simasiku desired for trusts to be in a position to negotiate their allocated quota, given that hunting season is about to start.

NCONGO is a registered entity aimed at co-ordinating the efforts of non-governmental organisations in Ngamiland and also to assist in capacity building of member organisations.

The workshop themed; Becoming Shareholders in a Dynamic and Sustainable Wildlife Economy, attracted members from Ngamiland, Chobe and Ghanzi regions.  
It allowed CBNRM communities to share regional and local experiences towards a more sustainable, equitable, profitable and better governed wildlife economy.

Participants had the opportunity to discuss how to apply the principles learnt in their own context, ensure that women and marginalised groups participate in CBNRM and how they could empower communities locally and globally. ENDS