People at the center of conservation at Ongava
Namibia's well-entrenched Parks and People policies empower communities to sustainably utilise their ancestral land. The enlightened approach has lead to upwards of half of Namibia's land surface area achieving one or other degree of conservation status. Of which approximately 17% of our country's conservation estate is the proclaimed protected areas such as the giant Namib-Naukluft and Etosha National Parks.
The nation's Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) legislation make provision for communities to form legally recognised entities that have rights to sustainably utilise their natural resources (the legal terminology: they are granted usufruct).
For National Parks, in the absence of a resident community, the immediate neighbouring Community qualifies as "the resident Community". The original inhabitants of the Etosha region are the Hai//om Community, of which the last of the free-living Hai//om "San Bushman" of Etosha were corralled 65 years ago. As their freedoms reduced they experienced increasing socio-economic marginalisation.
The democratically elected government of Namibia began to make reparations for this injustice including the award of a significant expanse of the south-central portion of the Etosha National Park, and related resettlement farms along the southern boundary have been acquired, to form a remedial project to develop a sustainable range of benefits for the dispossessed community upon their ancestral land.
Following state resource tender procedures the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism supported the Community in identifying a private sector investor and operator. Of the proposals submitted during the formal RFP we at Ongava, together with our empowerment partners, are delighted to be selected as the preferred bidder by the !Gobaub Association, representing the Hai//om Community.
Nature First is the singular focus that guides Ongava. The intention of the Ongava impact investment is to provide diverse upliftment opportunities for the rural community, opportunities that will empower the community to command agency over their destiny in a sustainable manner. Here’s a fun overview:
The Ongava Hai//om joint venture
Community-based Natural Resource Management in Namibia
The legendary conservationist Ian Player was the first to articulate, using the allegory of a three-legged traditional cooking pot, that successful conservation requires three pillars to be in harmony - Conservation, Commerce and Community. We couldn't think of a more relevant Community than our neighbours - the Hai//om - to embark on this ambitious rewilding, renewal and reintroduction project.
Adventure beckons! ELENA, we look forward to sharing this vital journey with you. Meet our Partners, the Hai//om (pronounced “Hi Com”, "//" denotes a click in the middle):
We are the Rhino Shepherds
Ongava Camps closure April 2020 - May 2021
To matters at hand - for many years our business has been built on warm hospitality and memorable wildlife experiences, which is at odds with social distancing. Our focus is on the well-being of our families, our colleagues and our fellow citizens and - as previously communicated - Ongava hospitality operations remain suspended up to May 31st, 2021.
Ongava is an enclave of calm where nature can go about its business unhindered – young impala rams play-fighting, a bumblebee busily pollinating an acacia blossom, a ground squirrel balancing on his hind limbs surveying his harem. A pride of tawny beasts, pads puffing dust, seek shade. Francolins fuss, a cicada heralds the blazing midday heat.
Opening Specials
Ongava hospitality reopens on Tuesday June 1st, 2021 with fantastic Specials for frontline health care workers and long stay guests:
In recognition of their selfless commitment and courage Frontline Healthcare workers qualify for 35% off Ongava Recommended Selling (Rack) Rate up to 31 December 2022.
The Ongava Long Stay Special - less 25% for bookings from four days and more - is extended through High Season 2021 ends June 2022.
Ongava Reservations service continues uninterrupted apart from 24 December (Christmas Eve), 25 December (Christmas Day), 26 December (Family Day), 31 December (Old Year’s Eve), and 1 January (New Year’s Day).
As always please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions.
Compliments of the Season!
We can barely contain our excitement at all the wonderful adventures and developments that lie in store. It is only appropriate that we thank you for helping us to protect wild places and endangered species.
It is my fervent desire that we can share a cheerful campfire under the southern cross in the not too distant future.
Wishing you and yours happy holidays and a safe, successful 2021.
Rob Moffett
Ongava Game Reserve
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