Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF)

Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation promoting conservation and sustainable development.

The Namibia Nature Foundation's (NNF) mission is to promote sustainable development, the conservation of biological diversity and natural ecosystems, along with the wise and ethical use of natural resources for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future. The Namibia Nature Foundation was founded in 1987. It was initially established to help the (then) Department of Nature Conservation t

o raise and administer funds for the conservation of wildlife and protected area management. Since then, the work of the NNF has expanded, in both scope and volume, to encompass the whole field of environment. While considerable emphasis is still placed on the protection of parks and endangered species, the current focus of work is on broad sustainable development: environment and people, environment and development. This is seen in our work in community-based natural resource management, combating of desertification, pollution and waste management, emphasis on policy, training and education, and our grants to initiatives that promote the democratisation of environmental management and that link socio-economic development with sound environmental management. The various Directorates of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism are amongst our main partners. However, here too the NNF has expanded considerably and now also works with a range of other government organisations (e.g. Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and Ministry of Trade & Industry) and non-government organisations (e.g. IUCN, WWF, IRDNC, RISE, Rossing Foundation, NACOBTA, Wildlife Society, NANGOF, NPC, AfriCat, Collect-a-Can, SRT, DRFN, etc.). The Namibia Nature Foundation fully endorses the environmental clauses in Namibia's national Constitution and works to implement the policies and programmes that are contained in, and have evolved from, Namibia's Green Plan. The NNF has evolved into a national institution that provides support to all relevant aspects of the environment in Namibia, to sustainable development and to wise and ethical natural resource management.

The Natural Science Subdivision of the National Museum of Namibia recently completed a successful field trip to Warmbad ...
10/06/2026

The Natural Science Subdivision of the National Museum of Namibia recently completed a successful field trip to Warmbad in southern Namibiaunder the JRS Biodiversity Foundation project focusing on gaining a deeper understanding of the biodiversity in the southeastern part of Namibia which forms part of the Gariep Center of Endemismt.

The field team collected specimens and scientific data on a variety of taxa, including arthropods, insects, small mammals, aquatic invertebrates, and reptiles. The information gathered will contribute to biodiversity research and support conservation initiatives across Namibia.

Although the team faced harsh weather conditions throughout the expedition, their commitment and resilience ensured the successful completion of the fieldwork.

A particularly exciting moment was the encounter with a puff adder in the field, providing a valuable observation and a memorable highlight of the trip.

The National Museum of Namibia remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting the conservation of Namibia’s remarkable biodiversity through research and field-based monitoring.

NNF was privileged to meet with the Executive Director of the Office of the Prime Minister-Namibia, Mr. Mateus Kaholongo...
10/06/2026

NNF was privileged to meet with the Executive Director of the Office of the Prime Minister-Namibia, Mr. Mateus Kaholongo, the Acting Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Mr. Alfred Sikopo, and their respective teams to discuss Namibia’s National Adaptation Plan process.

The engagement provided an important opportunity to explore collaborative approaches to strengthening adaptation planning, enhancing institutional coordination, and ensuring that Namibia’s most vulnerable communities are better prepared for the impacts of climate change.

We thank both institutions for their valuable insights, commitment, and support towards building a climate-resilient Namibia.

🍯🐝 Following    we successfully hosted a practical beekeeping and honey harvesting training session in Kongola, Zambezi ...
09/06/2026

🍯🐝 Following we successfully hosted a practical beekeeping and honey harvesting training session in Kongola, Zambezi Region, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and local beekeepers.

A total of 19 participants gained hands-on experience in hive management, honey harvesting, and bee conservation practices. During the training, approximately 50kg of honey was harvested, highlighting the growing potential of sustainable, community-based beekeeping as an alternative source of income for local communities.

The harvested honey forms part of the MaKwa Honey initiative, a locally produced honey brand that supports livelihoods while encouraging the protection of natural ecosystems and pollinators. The initiative is led by the Mayuni Conservancy and Kwandu Conservancy.

We extend our sincere appreciation to local bee expert Ortwin Aschenborn, all participants, and our partners, including Commonland For Returns, for their continued support and commitment to forest protection and community upliftment.

🍯 Limited jars of MaKwa Honey are available for sale in Windhoek. To purchase, contact +264 81 474 0412.

Happy World Oceans DayWe joined members of the Swakopmund community to celebrate World Oceans Day over the weekend to re...
08/06/2026

Happy World Oceans Day

We joined members of the Swakopmund community to celebrate World Oceans Day over the weekend to reflect on the vital role our ocean plays in sustaining life, livelihoods, and the health of our planet.

Through community engagement and awareness activities, we explored the connection between people and the ocean, while highlighting the importance of collective action to conserve Namibia's unique marine and coastal ecosystems for future generations.

We believe that meaningful conservation begins with informed and engaged communities. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and to our partners who continue to work alongside us in building a future where both people and nature can thrive.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day today, let us remember that every action counts. Together, we can help safeguard the ocean that connects us all.

05/06/2026

Happy World Environment Day 🌍

Environmental challenges are complex and interconnected, requiring collective action across communities, government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Through strong partnerships, shared knowledge, and a common vision, we can develop lasting solutions that benefit both people and nature.

At the Namibia Nature Foundation, we are proud to work alongside dedicated partners across the country and beyond to conserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, support sustainable livelihoods, and empower communities to lead positive change.

Today, we recognise and thank all those who continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in a healthier environment for present and future generations.

NNF’s Zambezi regional office recently joined conservation partners such as The Nature Conservancy in Africa, government...
27/05/2026

NNF’s Zambezi regional office recently joined conservation partners such as The Nature Conservancy in Africa, government institutions, and regional experts in , , for the Durable Freshwater Protection (DFP) Workshop. Together, we explored how stronger partnerships and community-led conservation can help protect some of Africa’s most important freshwater systems.

The Kavango,Kwando, Zambezi and Chobe Rivers support biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of people across the KAZA landscape.

One key takeaway? Healthy rivers depend on healthy partnerships.

The workshop highlighted the growing importance of:
✔️ Community fish reserves
✔️ Indigenous knowledge and stewardship
✔️ Climate resilience
✔️ Integrated landscape conservation
✔️ Long-term freshwater protection

We believe conservation works best when communities are at the centre of decision-making and sustainable resource management.

💬 What role do you think communities play in protecting freshwater ecosystems for future generations?

This  , celebrated under the theme “Acting locally for global impact,” we recognise the important role Indigenous People...
22/05/2026

This , celebrated under the theme “Acting locally for global impact,” we recognise the important role Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in protecting Namibia’s biodiversity through generations of knowledge, cultural practices, and sustainable living.

The Namibia National Outlook on Indigenous and Local Knowledge of Biodiversity was developed through UNESCO ’s Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and implemented in Namibia by the Namibia Nature Foundation. The publication highlights how Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) can strengthen biodiversity conservation and inclusive environmental decision-making.

📖 Read the publication here:
https://nnf.org.na/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/National-Outlook-on-ILK-of-Biodiversity.pdf

  that Namibia is home to Africa’s first Wood Identification Screening Center (WISC) 🪵Established by the USDA Forest Ser...
22/05/2026

that Namibia is home to Africa’s first Wood Identification Screening Center (WISC) 🪵

Established by the USDA Forest Service Office of International Programs and Trade, funding provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and in close collaboration with the Government of Namibia the WISC equips trained technicians with advanced wood identification technologies to accurately identify species, verify timber declarations, detect illegal logging, and generate forensic evidence to support prosecutions. By doing this Namibia strengthens enforcement measures, across the timber trade value chain.

📌So how does it work? WISC uses Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS) technology. While this sounds complicated, this tech is rapid, and easy-to-use technique and requires only a small wood sample delivering results in minutes, and enabling quick verification of import and export declarations.

Still not sure? Every wood species has its own unique chemical fingerprint. When a timber sample is sent to the centre by officials such as border security, it is analysed and compared to the Forensic Spectra of Trees Database (ForeST©). Within minutes, trained technicians can accurately identify the timber species by comparing it to thousands of reference samples.

The database is maintained by the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, with Namibian experts contributing samples from commonly traded timber species. As the database grows and border officials receive more specialised training, it becomes increasingly difficult for illegal timber trade networks to go undetected.

📢 CBNRMathon Vol. 2 applications are now OPEN!Do you have a business idea that uses, protects, or adds value to natural ...
21/05/2026

📢 CBNRMathon Vol. 2 applications are now OPEN!

Do you have a business idea that uses, protects, or adds value to natural resources while benefiting your community?

Read the full Call for Proposals and apply via the NNF website https://nnf.org.na/join-us/

📅 Deadline: 12 June 2026 at 17h00

20/05/2026

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Address

2, Corner Of Mozart Street And Hosea Kutako Drive, Windhoek West
Windhoek

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 14:00

Telephone

+26461248345

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