2013 Namibia tourism expo – visit the conservation stand

By Jana-Mari Smith

Namibia’s globally praised conservancy programme is set to impress again at the 15^th annual Namibia Tourism Expo, which will run from 29 May to 1 June.

The conservancy programme has attracted global acclaim for the way in which it has focused on weaving together the wellbeing of people, places and wildlife in Namibia. These achievements will be presented in the exhibit A true adventure in conservation – the theme of the conservancy stand this year.

And, as Namibia hosts the ATWS 2013 – the first Adventure Travel World Summit to be held in Africa – in October this year, the adventures that are part and parcel of well-run conservancies will be the main dished served.

Partners in the stand, the Ministry of Environment and tourism, the Communal Conservancies, Nam-Place and the Indigenous Plants and Natural Products team, will showcase the myriad successes achieved in conservation in Namibia over the past two decades.

Photo ©Nita Pallett

Those interested in the facts of conservancies and conservation in Namibia are invited to visit the A true adventure in conservation stand. Conservancy representatives will be on hand to talk about the triumphs and challenges faced by communities on the ground, human-wildlife conflict and tourism.  

The conservation stand will also host a display of indigenous products that are grown, harvested and marketed by local people in Namibia. For centuries many of these products served as natural ingredients in traditional food and medicines. Now this cultural heritage is being repackaged for the world at large.

A highlight at this year’s Expo will once again be the Joint Venture Lodge Song Competition. With energy and verve, conservancy members who regularly serenade guests at the joint-venture lodges will pull out all the stops to be crowned winner. This is a not-to-be-missed event at Expo. Namibia’s drive to promote the fact that 42% of the country is under some form of conservation management will be further promoted at the small cinema at the stand. Films screened will give visitors an opportunity to bag the knowledge needed to promote this fundamental success.