Go Green Fund enhances conservation efforts

Francoise Steynberg
Civil society organisations and the private sector can work together to make a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts in Namibia.
In 2001, Nedbank, together with the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) co-founded the Go Green Fund to enhance conservation and the protection of important habitats and natural resources in Namibia. The fund has to date raised millions of dollars for the funding of more than 40 environmental projects across Namibia and supports individuals and organisations that are working towards a more sustainable future.
Some of the projects across Namibia that have benefited from the support of the Fund, include the brown hyena research programme in Lüderitiz and the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust. The Fund also supported the assessment of giraffe numbers and their distribution in Namibia that was conducted by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF).
“Nedbank understands that, by supporting conservation programmes such as the ones sponsored through our vehicle and home loan products, we are ensuring that natural assets can deliver their full economic, social and environmental potential,” said Jacky Tjivikua, Nedbank Go Green Fund manager.
She adds: “The fund has proven to be not only successful in the short-term, but in many cases, also highly catalytic, contributing to the growth of conservation programmes. “Through this partnership, we are increasing public awareness and the case for conserving our precious resources for future generations.”
Dr. Julian Fennessy of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation said the Fund has played a valuable supporting role through the GCF in better understanding the conservation status of giraffes in Namibia. “Moving forward, the Go Green Fund has pledged to provide critical support for GCF''s Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP) which brings students from across the region out into the field as part of a targeted environmental education initiative. With an estimated 2 000 young school children learning about the natural world around them, this partnership between GCF and the Nedbank Go Green Fund is helping to educate Namibia''s future leaders,” he said.
Tjivikua adds that the Fund has recently opened a call for proposals in two areas namely: Human Wild Life Conflict and Renewable Energy Programmes. Applicants for conservation funding in the two areas have until 28 October to apply and more information can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected].
“As defined in the Brundtland Report, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Go Green Fund strives to do just that and you can take action too, by helping us support the conservation projects we select for their holistic approach and positive impact. Make Nedbank Namibia your banking partner next time you buy a house or a car, and we will donate to the Go Green Fund on your behalf, at no extra cost,” said Jacky.
The Brundtland Report is a United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development which proposes a “global agenda for change” and specifies how sustainable development can be achieved.

What is Go Green Fund?
Go Green is a non-profit fund that was launched to support projects with regard to protection, sustain­able use and management of natural resources in Namibia.

Who can apply?
Everyone interested in developing a project that is contributing towards the protection, sustainable use and management of natural resources in Namibia.

What types of ­applications can be considered for ­funding?
The Go Green Fund considers concise proposals written according to the prescribed format submitted for the projects that:
- Aim to support the conservation and management of sensitive habitats and indigenous flora and fauna;
- aim to improve the understanding of indigenous species and natural ecosystems;
- will promote efficient and appropriate use of natural resources to support sustainable use of resources; and
- will promote and distribute accurate information on environmental issues across Namibia.

What is the size of the grants?
A maximum of N$80 000 is granted per project year

How can I apply?
If you feel that your need for funding has met the objectives of the fund, please submit your proposal to the Namibian Nature Foundation (NNF), a non-governmental organisation that hosts the Go Green Fund. Proposals are evaluated at the end of March and November each year.

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