A success story in community based conservation.

Exploring the conservancy areas around Grootberg Lodge today, it’s hard to imagine these beautiful plains and canyons were once almost entirely devoid of game.

The abundance and diversity of species that can be found in the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy is a far cry from the way things were at the turn of the century. Thanks to the determined efforts and cooperation of forward-thinking conservationists, government, private concerns and the once marginalised community that live here, game numbers have made a turnaround to become a global success story. This includes endangered species such as black rhino, desert-adapted lion and elephant.

Around the early 1990s, game numbers were at an all time low due to human-wild animal conflict. Wild animals were seen as a nuisance at best while elephant and predators posed a threat to the livelihood of the local communities. As a result, animals were worth more dead than alive.

Poaching and the persecution of so-called “problem” animals (such as elephant, lion and other predators) went ahead unchecked. At the same time, antelope and zebra were unsustainably hunted for their meat and skins until almost all but the smallest of invertebrates disappeared from the area.

A turnaround came when in 1990, the Grootberg Farmers' Union was formed. This instigated policy changes and formed the basis of what was to become the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy.

Thanks to funds donated by the European Union, the Grootberg Lodge was built. This was to become the first lodge to be wholly owned by the community. The establishment of the lodge brought employment and a more sustainable income to community members as well as a revenue stream to aide and promote social initiatives and resources.

A reform in conservation efforts and education placed the community as the overall custodians andbeneficiaries and the value of conservation became understood. With community members comprising up 98% of the employees at the lodge, even former poachers became fervent conservationists. With excellent bush and tracking skills and intimate knowledge of the area, they became the best candidates for the job.

To further add to conservation efforts, a Predator’s Fund was established to compensate farmers for livestock lost to predators while generating funds needed for infrastructure to minimise their risk.

Today ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy stands proudly as an international case study of how conservation efforts can be successful and sustainable in the long run. By visiting this breathtaking part of the world and enjoying all it has to offer, you are contributing to the long-term sustainability of the area, its animals and the people.