Niël Terblanché
In an effort to advance wildlife conservation and rural development, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced newly appointed members of the Game Product Trust Fund (GPTF) board.
Environment minister, Pohamba Shifeta made the announcement and added that the fund was specifically created to play a key role in harmonizing the coexistence of humans and wildlife in Namibia.
Established under the Game Product Trust Fund Act of 1997, the GPTF is a vital mechanism that ensures revenue from wildlife-related activities is reinvested into conservation and rural development projects.
“The fund supports wildlife conservation, communal conservation, and rural development programmes aimed at securing a future for wildlife both within and outside protected areas,” he said.
The minister added that the fund captures revenue from various sources, including trophy hunting concessions, the sale of game, and conservation fees collected at protected areas.
He said that these resources are directed toward projects that promote sustainable wildlife management, improve human-wildlife relations, and enhance rural community development.
Shifeta stressed that this reinvestment strategy aims to benefit both people and ecosystems.
“Through these efforts, we can ensure that wildlife becomes a valuable asset for communities living alongside it,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged the significant achievements of the outgoing board, whose tenure ended in September 2024.
He expressed gratitude for their dedication while setting clear expectations for the incoming board.
“The task ahead is to take care of and account for all funds, providing clean, audited financial statements. I will no longer tolerate any qualified audit opinion, especially as the fund continues to grow,” he said.
The new board, appointed for a three-year term, will serve until 30 October 2027.
The body comprises five members with diverse expertise and the members are Colgar Sikopo, Deputy Executive Director of Natural Resources Management, who will serve as Chairperson; Mclesia Mbaisa, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform; Doreen Saisai, representing the Namibia National Communal Conservancy and Community Forest Alliance; Kandiwapa Amwele, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises; and Thomas Muronga, also representing the Namibia National Communal Conservancy and Community Forest Alliance.
Shifeta said that the new board is tasked with overseeing the allocation of funds to protected areas, conservancies, and institutions involved in wildlife conservation and rural development.
“Their work will also focus on improving the monitoring, management, and sustainable use of wildlife resources,” the minister said.
He added that the GPTF is an innovative approach to balancing conservation with socio-economic development.
According to Shifeta, the appointment comes at a critical time as Namibia strengthens its commitment to environmental stewardship and the empowerment of rural communities through sustainable wildlife management.
