Save The Rhino Trust

The recovery of desert-adapted black rhino has provided the basis for a steadily growing commercial tourism industry in the Kunene that has provided significant economic development. SRT has been working closely in recent years with several commercial operators, most prominently Wilderness Safaris Namibia, to develop successful models for wildlife-based tourism that are compatible with conservation goals. These efforts have focused particularly on Desert Rhino Camp in the Palmwag Concession, and on a mobile camel safari. Under joint venture arrangements the commercial partner covers some or all operating costs, enabling SRT to allocate limited resources to other areas. Additional benefits from such initiatives include promotion for SRT, the establishment of unique tourism products with particular appeal for international consumers, and enhancing the flow of benefits to local conservancies, thereby creating further incentives for conservation in the region.

Various planning initiatives for tourism in the Kunene are anticipated in the next few years, including the establishment of a National Park, and the completion of a Northwest Tourism Option Plan. SRT is uniquely positioned to contribute to these and other planning and management initiatives related to tourism development in the region.

SRT Regional Tourism Programme 2008-2012

Goal:

Develop and promote conservation-based tourism models and approaches related to desert-adapted black rhino

Objectives:

• Collaborate with operators and other stakeholders in the region to pilot models of wildlife-based tourism that are compatible with the conservation of black rhino and other species.
• Assist in promoting successful models of wildlife-based tourism.
• Develop and promote a National Protocol for rhino-based tourism on communal lands in Namibia, in collaboration with MET and other stakeholders.
• Assist in defining the regional carrying capacity for wildlife-based tourism in the region based on successful pilot models.

Critical Success Factors for 2008-2012 include the following:

• Ensure SRT’s activities related to regional tourism are conducted in a manner consistent with the Tourism Concession Policy and other relevant policies of MET.
• Clarify and strengthen the existing collaborative relationship with Wilderness Safaris, through a formalized Memorandum of Understanding.
• Ensure that involvement with joint ventures retains SRT’s independence and trusted role as a non-profit organization while also contributing to financial self-sufficiency of the Trust in the long term.
• Determine the optimum pace for any expansion of joint venture activities to match long-term business planning, particularly related to impacts on the delivery of patrolling and other SRT programme activities, and ensure a clear understanding of roles for SRT staff in delivering combined tourism and patrolling/monitoring functions.
• Maintain liaison with stakeholders engaged in discussions related to regional land use and tourism planning, including the Regional Council, Regional Development Coordinating Committee and its Constituency Development Committees, the Land Board, SPAN (MET), Traditional Authorities, Conservancy Committees, and other stakeholders.