Who We Are...
Bridging Letter
AfriCat North, primarily the AfriCat Foundation field-base for lion research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and community support, has seen its role as a lion-conservation force in the Kunene Region, grow exponentially. The need to have a significant presence to protect the lion, to assist with lion-farmer conflict situations, to mentor otherwise desperate farmers in predator-friendly farming practices and to educate the young, grows with each passing year. Recently, AfriCat North’s Operational and Project demands have increased immensely, largely due to the changing face of wildlife conservation closely linked to human need.
Okonjima Lodge, home of the AfriCat Foundation (Otjozondjupa Region), supports the AfriCat Foundation’s financial needs and has for many years, been AfriCat North’s major sponsor for Operational costs – the funds that donors generally shy away from: vehicle maintenance, staff salaries & food, administration and communications, as well as fuel expenses. Unfortunately, due to the general economic slump, this is no longer possible.
Some months ago, a decision was made to re-brand AfriCat North and to begin a new Chapter in Large Carnivore Conservation, with emphasis on the Lion (Panthera leo). 2020, the start of a new decade, sees the launch of the Namibian Lion Trust (NLT), with its own charitable status and independent, enthusiastic Board of Trustees. The key purpose of its work: to increase the protection of lions and to guide local communities to live alongside carnivores, will continue with the Lion Guard Programme, Early-Warning Systems for farmers in areas of conflict, livestock protection techniques, Research, Community enhancement and Education in Conservation & Agriculture.
In order to do this, AfriCat North must now boldly set out with renewed energy and commitment as the Namibian Lion Trust (Reg # T298/2019), with our slogan FOR LIONS, FOR LIFE and FOR OUR FUTURE, dedicated to Panthera leo, for it is essential that AfriCat North’s work should persist…
Our Mission & Purpose
- The Namibian Lion Trust is committed to the long-term protection and conservation of the lion and other large carnivores that co-exist in the Namibian landscape.
- We promote co-existence between farming communities and conflict wildlife.
- We seek to find workable solutions to the present human-lion conflict without threatening the survival of the lion and other large carnivore species.
- We work tirelessly to make a significant difference to peoples’ lives, especially those who have to bear the cost of living with wildlife.
- We strive to inspire people, young and old, to respect and protect fauna and flora in their natural habitats.
- Ultimately, the Namibian Lion Trust strives for increased protection of the Namibian Lion.