24/09/2026
Over the last five years National Geographic and De Beers partnership, Okavango Eternal, has created tangible impact in conservation, livelihoods and storytelling.
Together the National Geographic Society and De Beers have supported:
- The historic designation of Lisima Lya Mwono as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, a key milestone in the long-term protection of the source waters of the Okavango Basin;
- Local scientists, groundbreaking scientific research and traditional knowledge held and stewarded by local communities;
- Livelihood opportunities across Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, in beekeeping, basket weaving, regenerative agriculture, and entrepreneurship; and
- The operation of two Nkashi Knowledge Centres - community centers that expand access to education, entrepreneurship and conservation-linked opportunities.
Over the next 5 years Okavango Eternal will continue to support and accelerate the work of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project and build on this momentum to pursue even greater impact. Together we’re working to secure long-term protection of the Okavango River Basin — the critical ecosystem of water that supports wildlife and people spanning Angola, Namibia and Botswana — by supporting conservation research, creating livelihood opportunities for the communities of the Okavango and advancing the vision for the Basin as one interconnected, transboundary system, protected through local stewardship and international cooperation.
Okavango Eternal is a 10-year partnership between De Beers Group and the National Geographic Society which helps support and accelerate the work of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, implemented locally through the Wild Bird Trust family of organizations.
Read more here: https://news.nationalgeographic.org/national-geographic-society-and-de-beers-extend-okavango-eternal-partnership-for-five-more-years/
📷By Tucunare Lopez (1&2)Antonio Paciencia (3); Vandilson Almeida (4); Laone Chombo (5); Rainer von Brandis(6)
