Eight giraffes translocated to Okongo conservancy

Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says the translocation of eight giraffes to the Okongo conservancy in the Ohangwena Region forms part of Namibia's successful community-based conservation efforts.

Last Friday, Muyunda said the addition of the giraffes to the conservancy is set to inspire local residents to manage and preserve natural resources within the social, cultural and economic context of their communities, a strategy that has led to increasing numbers of wildlife in Namibia and pride in cultural diversity.

This, in turn, provides guests with unique opportunities to see wildlife roaming free on communal land, to interact with local communities and to learn about their cultural heritage.

Muyunda said the translocation is a demonstration of the government's commitment to ensure Namibians benefit through wildlife conservation and diversity.

"Furthermore, this also signifies that Namibia continues to thrive in conserving its wildlife heritage both in national parks and outside national parks,” he said.

Thriving wildlife

He added that the ministry's mandate, as provided for in the constitution under Article 95, requires the preservation of natural and biological processes for the benefit of Namibians in the present and the future.

"Hence, with our thriving wildlife conservation, the ministry can afford to relocate some animal species from one area to another to free up some space but also to diversify the range of that species,” Muyunda said.

He added that the ministry hopes the translocated giraffes, among other wildlife species in the inventory of the Okongo conservancy, will bring about much-needed benefits that will improve the social and economic standing of the communities.