92% of Namibia is semi- to hyper-arid. Given the mounting impacts of climate change, it is essential that in dry-subhumid environments, wildlife is recognised as the most suitable and viable land-use option. It causes the least environmental damage and can be used to unlock socio-economic value of wildlife and wild places to provide sustainable value.

Currently, this value is created through nature-based tourism and conservation hunting, which is recognised by local communities and the national government, and their associated value chains. Other values are being explored such as wildlife-based products and pro-conservation agricultural production developed by local farmers and entrepreneurs and payments for conservation performance by the wildlife stewards.

WWF will continue to invest in unlocking the broad spectrum of values that nature provides to build stronger, inclusive conservation solutions and generate social and cultural benefits that are valued by conservancies and their members, positioning conservation as a viable development opportunity against other often-conflicting economic developments such as mining, large scale agriculture and infrastructure projects.