The Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organizations (NACSO)

About us

The Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Programme of Namibia is one of the world’s leading examples of conservation and rural community empowerment through the devolution of rights and responsibilities over wildlife and other natural resources, including forests and indigenous plant species.

The achievements and impacts of the programme over the last two decades are impressive and inspiring. Rural communities have formed 86 communal conservancies, 43 community forests, and a community association living within national park boundaries. Cumulatively, these cover almost 20.2% of Namibia’s land and engage and empower almost 10% of Namibia’s population as conservation stewards.

The success of the CBNRM Programme is based on two premises: that communities wish to live with their natural heritage, including wildlife, and that through the programme, benefits accrue to local communities in the rural economy, linked to strong and sustainable wildlife populations.

Despite the impressive gains that have been made in Namibia’s community based conservation, and the global recognition that has ensued as a result, the challenge remains to create a fully sustainable national programme that will consolidate the gains and create further opportunities for the economic and social development of Namibia’s rural communities based upon the sustainable use of natural resources.