During the recent 2017 DSC Convention and Expo, members of DSC and DSC Foundation (DSCF) met with government officials from Namibia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement formalizes the existing relationship between the parties. Both share a common concern for the future of Namibian wildlife as well as the desire for cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation.
DSC Executive Director Ben Carter and DSCF President Richard Cheatham met with Minister Pohamba Shifeta and three representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Republic of Namibia (MET). As part of the MoU, each party will seek to promote Namibia’s conservation hunting program, anti-poaching activities in national and state lands, to visit and exchange research and non-proprietary information, and to collaborate with continuing education and other training programs – all to promote conservation and wildlife.
“This signed agreement strengthens and advances the relationship between DSC, DSCF and MET to help Namibia continue to be a leader in wildlife and habitat conservation,” said Cheatham. “It will also increase DSC and DSCF’s support of existing programs that work so well and will allow the parties to develop and implement innovative programs that will address the ever-evolving conditions and conservation challenges faced in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Namibia has gained a favorable reputation for its sustainable-use practices and outstanding efforts in areas of wildlife management, conservation, and protection. At the IUCN World Congress in Honolulu this past summer, Namibia’s work was highlighted and hailed as an example to be followed by the rest of the world.
The MET recognizes DSC as a leader among conservation organizations who shares Namibia’s commitment to wildlife, wild places, sustainable use and financially supports projects that directly benefit wildlife and local communities. Through collaboration and concerted conservation efforts, these groups are emerging as leaders on the forefront of wildlife conservation.
