Safeguarding the future of Namibia’s Protected Area Network through Financing4Future

Namibia's Protected Area Network (PAN), encompassing 17% of the national territory, is a critical asset of global biodiversity significance. However, its long-term financial sustainability for effective management and safeguarding faces a significant challenge. The PAN has a persistent annual operational funding deficit of USD $5.7 million. The funding shortfall represents an inability of staff to effectively manage at an operational level, as they lack funds to implement park management plans and take required biodiversity conservation action.

This project strategy aims to address this challenge through a comprehensive three-component approach. Component 1 will establish enabling conditions for long-term financial stability. This will be achieved through the strategic enhancement of the Game Product Trust Fund (GPTF) and the development of diversified financial solutions. Component 2 will mobilize crucial financial resources, including further capitalization of the GPTF, to ensure consistent funding beyond immediate operational needs and support the effective management of the PAN. The project will actively engage the private sector in developing and implementing innovative financial mechanisms, such as biodiversity credits and wildlife bonds, to attract new investment and diversify revenue streams for the PAN. Component 3 will implement a comprehensive knowledge management and M&E system.

This intervention aims to safeguard 13.9 million hectares of invaluable ecosystems. It will enhance PAN management through increased resource allocation, delivering measurable global environmental benefits. The anticipated outcomes include a well-connected, effectively governed, and financially sustainable PAN, fostering thriving biodiversity and enhanced ecosystem services, with increased livelihood opportunities.

In addition to GEF core indicators concerning PA management effectiveness and direct beneficiaries, the project’s success will be measured by several factors, including the percentage increase in total annual revenue for the state-run PAN, the number of global CTF standards integrated by the GPTF, and, critically, the capitalisation of a functional endowment fund for Namibia's PAN