Breaking the Silence on Conservancy Conservation and Tourism vs Mining – cont’d. (Part 4 of 4)

Tristan Cowley founded Tou Safaris in 2003, specializing in naturalist guided safaris to Namibia. In 2008 it merged with a like-minded safari company, which is how the tour- and lodge-operating enterprise “Ultimate Safaris” was born. It is now one of Namibia’s most renowned naturalist and specialist guiding safari companies and has been very active in the northwest of Namibia, aiming to join the local population and find solutions that benefit conservancies’ human – as well as wildlife population.

After the recent awarding of mining rights in an established tourism destination, he decided to share his thoughts. The open letter was written before the elections and on account of its relevance, NMH brings it to you in four parts:



TRISTAN COWLEY WRITES:

Appeals to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) languish unanswered for years, eroding trust in the system.

What’s worse, these decisions appear steeped in political patronage. Regional governors promote mining at community meetings, police ignore environmental damage reports and the very officials tasked with oversight, seem aligned with mining proponents.

Meanwhile, conservancies are left to shoulder the immense financial burden of litigation – over N$2.5 million so far for this case – money that could have transformed communities instead.

The mining proponents’ approach – divide and conquer, bribe, racially polarize and politicize – underscores a larger systemic issue, dividing what were united communities by offering short-term incentives. When law enforcement and public officials side with exploiters over the communities they are meant to serve, we must question the integrity of our governance.

What does it say when the very Ministry responsible for the environment fails to protect it?



THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS

These issues are symptomatic of deeper systemic failures. Political interference, disregard for conservation and conservancy agreements, and short-sighted profiteering undermine Namibia’s potential. The rhetoric of development rings hollow when long-term sustainability is sacrificed for fleeting gain.

Namibia’s natural heritage, epitomized by its unique wildlife and landscapes, holds immense value – not just economically, but culturally and environmentally. The black rhinos, the arid-adapted elephants of the Kunene and the communities safeguarding these treasures deserve more than being side-lined for low value mining ventures.

This isn’t just a battle for a few conservancies – it’s a fight for the future of Namibia’s communal lands and the integrity of our environmental governance.



A CRY FOR NAMIBIA’S ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVANCIES

As the nation flirts with a variety of high-risk “get rich quick”-schemes, one wonders if we have abandoned sustainable, long-term investments in favour of individual, ecologically damaging short-term gain. Namibia’s future lies in its ability to balance resource extraction with the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage, ensuring broad-based community benefits.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: Will we continue to allow systems that perpetuate inequality, enrich the few and strip away the legacy of conservation and tourism that Namibia has become known for – or should we demand better governance, accountability and a vision for a truly inclusive future?

It is time to shine a light on what is happening and break the silence. It’s time for change. – The end



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