Photo courtesy of Erikka Mokanya
Erikka Mokanya is a regional project implementation officer for the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program, based in Namibia. In a GEF Voices interview, she shared life lessons from her work to improve the health and productivity of degraded land while improving local economic conditions in partnership with communities.
What do you do for a living?
I work on the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program with a focus on the Okavango River Basin, a large watershed shared by Angola, Botswana, and Namibia that is home to significant wildlife and supports nearly 1 million people. My role involves providing technical guidance, coordinating project activities, and supporting sustainable land and forest management initiatives that are helping both the environment and local people. I became interested in this field because of my passion for community development and environmental sustainability. For me, this work represents a chance to make a meaningful contribution to both people and the environment.
Currently, I am focused on advancing sustainable value chains, particularly for forestry and non-timber forest products. I am also working to strengthen landscape governance and enable communities to participate more effectively in land-use and natural resource management decisions. This involves promoting integrated land-use planning and contributing to Namibia's Land Degradation Neutrality goals through sustainable practices that restore landscapes and maintain productive, resilient ecosystems.
Has anyone you have met through your work made a lasting impact on you?
Many community members I have met through my work have left a lasting impact on me. One example is from the Muduva Nyangana and George Mukoya Conservancy and Community Forests, where local people are actively managing and protecting natural resources while also creating economic opportunities for their families and future generations. Their determination showed me that sustainable development is not just about policies and projects: it is about people, their aspirations, and their willingness to invest in a better future. These interactions have reinforced the importance of listening, building trust, and ensuring that local voices are at the center of decision-making. They have reminded me that lasting environmental change is only possible when communities are empowered to be part of the solution.
What life lessons has your job taught you?
Meaningful change rarely happens overnight. Progress requires patience, consistency, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when results are not immediately visible. Some of the most impactful changes I have witnessed have been the result of years of relationship-building, trust, and collective effort.
My work has also taught me the value of listening. I have learned that the best ideas and solutions often come from understanding different perspectives and being open to learning from the experiences of others. I have had the opportunity to share experiences and learn from people from many different contexts – these cross-country learning exchanges have shown me that while challenges may differ, there is much we can learn from one another.
The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is people. Despite the environmental challenges we face, I continue to see people choosing to care, to act, and to make a difference. Whether it is a young person advocating for change, a farmer adopting more sustainable practices, or communities coming together to protect and restore their land and natural resources, these actions remind me that positive change is both possible and underway. For me, hope lies in the idea that every positive action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement.
What advice would you give a young person interested in a career like yours?
Don't wait until you feel fully prepared. Start where you are, take up space, and use your voice. The environmental challenges we face need young people who are willing to learn, collaborate, and be part of the solution.
