About Us
ORKCA innovates on traditional conservation approaches towards a community-driven, tech-empowered, and financially self-sufficient model.
"Large conservation programs, like new scientific disciplines, start with a heroic age. A few individuals push forward, risking failure and harm to their own security and reputations. They have a dream that does not fit the norm. They accept long hours, personal expense, nagging uncertainty, and rejection. When they succeed, their idiosyncratic views become the new normal. Their individual stories are then rightfully seen as epics. They become part of environmental history."
Vision
A vast connected and rewilded conservation landscape representative of the unique Orange River – Karoo ecosystem with free-roaming wildlife that benefits all stakeholders.
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Mission
To restore and rewild the Orange-River Karoo landscape by ecologically weaving Namibia and South Africa together into a balanced, functional ecosystem.
Leadership Team
Nabot Mbeeli,
CEO
Nabot Mbeeli is a dedicated Namibian in the conservation space who grew up at the coastal town of Swakopmund. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Environmental Biology and Geology from the University of Namibia (UNAM), and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Nabot has experience in Community Based Natural Resources Management with a focus on strengthening community governance and participation in nature-based enterprises. His core competency is in strengthening and leveraging protected areas, supporting governance structures, natural resource management, and business enterprises, with the goal of improving livelihoods in rural communities across the country.
In addition to his hands on conservation work, Nabot has also been recognized as a fellow in the Africa Wildlife Foundation’s Charles R. Wall Young African Policy program, where he focused on biodiversity governance and policy-making, aiming to influence Africa’s biodiversity policies at both national and international levels.
Andreia Pawel,
Co-Founder
Andreia’s origins are from Brazil, and she grew up in England where she became a British Fencing Champion. Andreia’s fascination for primates and itch for cultural immersions took her to field experience in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Brazil, and Kenya. Andreia completed an MSc in Primatology & Conservation at The Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology and then became a conservation entrepreneur. Alongside that, Andreia’s thesis on environmental education led to work in Tanzania where she directed and produced an award-winning environmental education film shown at the Sondrio Wildlife Film Festival.
Andreia co-founded Oana Namibia and led as the CEO, one of Namibia’s leading adventure tourism organizations which has now closed.
Andreia also co-founded Oana Community Foundation, a non-profit organization in Southern Namibia. Andreia, alongside her business partner Ed, has gained experience in landscape restoration through the process of rewilding Kum Kum Reserve, one of the founding members to join ORKCA.
Maggie van Staden,
Administrative Officer
Maggie van Staden, born in Keetmanshoop, raised in Windhoek, and now based in Karasburg, brings a wealth of experience to her role at ORKCA.
Maggie’s extensive experience spans over two decades in finance and administrative roles. She has demonstrated her expertise through various positions, including Creditor and Inventory Officer at Sanlam Namibia (2014-2023), and Accounts Administrator at Old Mutual Namibia (2010-2014). Maggie holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Law (2017-2020) and Higher Certificates in Accounting (2013-2017), and Paralegal Studies (2016).
As the Administrator at ORKCA, Maggie supports the organization’s strategic objectives through ensuring the smooth operation of ORKCA’s administrative functions.Â
Maggie is connected to the local community and the unique landscape of the Karas region. Her familiarity with the area and her commitment to conservation align with ORKCA’s goals, making her a valuable addition to the team.
Maggie is enthusiastic about contributing to ORKCA’s vision, and her proactive attitude and willingness to take on responsibility plays a key role in supporting ORKCA’s mission, vision, and efforts.
Jannie Van Der Merwe,
Reserve Manager
A day in the life
Jannie is Namibian born and raised, and his love of the land comes from growing up on a farm in southern Namibia among a community passionate about their country and life in the bush. With an honours degree in hydrology and geohydrology from the Northwest-University Potchefstroom (NWU) South Africa and also a B.Sc. in Geology and Geography, he worked as an environmental scientist with Geo Pollution Technologies Namibia, specialising in geohydrology, geology and hydrology.
In a region regularly facing drought and the impacts of climate change, his experience in groundwater and soil monitoring and sampling, geophysics (borehole siting), hydrocensus studies and groundwater specialist studies is invaluable and will help ORKCA’s rewilding and conservation work in the future. Jannie is not only our Assistant Reserve Manager, he personally works his own farm nearby and daily faces the same challenges as our reserve neighbours, bringing a unique insider perspective and making him the perfect reserve liaison. When not on the reserve Jannie will still always be found outdoors, hunting, fishing and perfecting his newfound interest in locating and identifying wildlife tracks.
Red Barthorp,
Co-Founder & Strategic Consultant
Ed grew up in the Cotswolds of the UK, where he enjoyed the countryside upbringing yet always had one eye on the wilds of Africa. Ed found his feet in Kenya ten years ago with involvement in projects with Northern Rangelands Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Loisaba Conservancy.
Ed then moved to work for the Tanzania People and Wildlife Fund before completing an MSc in Conservation and Business at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology.
Ed has been in southern Namibia for the past six years co-founding the adventure-conservation expedition company, Oana Namibia, whilst concurrently co-founding the non-profit Oana Community Foundation. Ed’s passion lies in landscape conservation, big ideas, creative and original tourism and rewilding. He is an avid explorer, surfer, mountaineer and horticulturist.
Elizabeth Barnabas,
Finance and HR Officer
Elizabeth Barnabas is a dedicated finance professional born and raised in the northern part of Namibia,in Oshikoto Region.She holds a Bachelor Degree of Accounting (Chartered Acc.) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
Elizabeth began her career at Ondeya Registered Accountants and Auditors in April 2023, where she gained two years of solid experience in external auditing across various industries including NGOs. Her time in audit strengthened her analytical abilities, attention to details, and understanding of compliance requirements; skills which she continues to apply in her daily work.
She later transitioned into the Finance and HR role at ORKCA, where she contributes to the organisation’s financial operations. Her responsibilities include managing financial records and payroll. Elizabeth is committed to integrity,efficiency, and continuous improvement in every task she handles and she strives to add value to ORKCA.
Sophia Nashima,
Head of Finance
Sophia is a born and raised Namibian from Oshinyadhila in the Oshana Region. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Namibia and a postgraduate diploma from UNISA, with majors in Financial Accounting, Managerial Finance, Auditing, and Taxation.
She began her professional career at Grand Namibia Chartered Accountants and Auditors, where she progressed from Trainee Accountant to Audit Manager in the Assurance Division, gaining experience auditing NGOs, parastatals, educational institutions, and private sector entities.
She later served as Assistant Bursar at the University of Namibia, with responsibilities spanning procurement, taxation, asset management, donor fund administration, and financial reporting. Sophia is a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN) and currently co-owns and manages Seasons Travel and Tours Namibia while serving as the Part-Time Head of Finance at ORKCA. Sophia is a proud mother of three and, in her personal time, enjoys travel, and spending time with family and friends.
Peter Cunningham,
Conservation & Research Coordinator
Peter, born in the United Arab Emirates and educated in Namibia and South Africa, is the resident ecologist and Conservation and Research Coordinator. He studied Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University and completed an MSc focusing on human–wildlife conflict in southern Namibia.
His work ranges from research and monitoring along the Namib Desert, assessing devil’s claw populations in the Caprivi, surveying species along the Orange River, and monitoring seal populations on Marion Island.
Peter’s passion is being outdoors, whether hiking above the tree line in the snowy Georgian mountains or trekking through the deserts of northwestern Namibia. He has completed several expeditions, including a solo 232 km Drakensberg Grand Traverse in 8.5 days and a 2,200 km paddle down the Orange River.
Emma Grover,
Communications & Wellness Coordinator
Emma Louise – an advocate for community engagement and storytelling, born in Cape Town, South Africa. Emma’s global travels laid the groundwork for her curiosity in the way people engage with their landscape. Inspired by this curiosity, Emma pursued studies in Anthropology and Psychology at The University of Cape Town and Rhodes University, acquiring an understanding of the threads that bind societies together.
Beyond her passion for community agency building, Emma’s professional experience includes roles where she has led teams in dynamic environments. Her previous position as Head of Content Development at Rewire Trauma Therapy gave her experience in key areas such as heading the copywriting, content development, and communications teams. Having been part of her previous company from its inception, Emma brings organizational, writing, and communication skills to the table.Â
Emma brings hands-on experience in community agency building and sustainability, having actively contributed to organizations- the most recent being the Bulungula Incubator in Bulungula, South Africa, where she worked alongside the community in creating sustainable and empowering initiatives. Emma’s commitment to fostering meaningful change is not just a vocation but a calling.
Anna Dambo,
Communications Officer
Anna Dambo, born and raised in Namibia, holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media Studies, specialising in Public Relations and Advertising. Over the years, she has built extensive experience in media, communications, and stakeholder engagement, honing skills in writing, content creation, social media management, and strategic communication.
She has held roles as a Radio Presenter, Sub-Editor, and Social Media Manager at UNAM Echo, a Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement trainee at the UNAM Foundation, a Public Relations Officer trainee at the Khomas Regional Council, and as a freelance Social Media Manager, gaining a well-rounded perspective across media and communications.
As ORKCA’s Communications Officer, Anna supports the organisation by sharing updates, managing communication platforms, and helping keep partners and communities informed. Her passion for clear, accessible storytelling plays an important role in highlighting the work happening on the ground. Anna brings a grounded, people-centred approach to her work and remains committed to supporting both regional development and conservation efforts.
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Gary Van Wyk,
Photographer
Gary Van Wyk is a South African photographer whose passion for exploration and ability to connect with people have seen him document some of the most notable individuals and moments of his country’s young democracy.
Gary’s journey as a photographer began during an internship at Independent Newspapers in 2003. Still a student at the time, he was quickly hired and started to work as a full-time photographer for the news group. Since then, working both for various media houses and in his own capacity, Gary’s images have gone on to appear in numerous local and international publications, group exhibitions and two solo exhibitions.Â
He has gained access to some of the 21st century’s most significant people, travelling across the globe while on assignment. Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey and Desmond Tutu are among his most notable subjects, and he has worked in locations as remote and diverse as Nepal, New York, the Amazon rainforest and the mountains of the Caucasus.
Gary’s welcoming and warm nature enables people to relax in front of his lens, and often invites him into intimate spaces where he has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of a moment. His most intimate and emotive photographs are those of his fiance and their daughter.
Studying the Masters of Photography has always inspired him and, although so much is visible online these days, his preferred way is to view their pictures in his collection of photography books.
Engelina Mouton,
Housekeeper & Hostess ORKCA HeadQuarters
Engelina has been with us for the last five years. Engelina, engages with visitors and teaches them how to make traditional jewelry out of beads. Engelina also leads traditional cooking workshops, baking bread underground. Engelina led a community project using solar ovens to bake and to cook soup to feed the local soup kitchen.
Cienna Babiep,
Game Guard & Permaculture Specialist
Cienna is from Ubib, a small village in the Karas region. Cienna is fascinated with plants and has run the indigenous tree nursery on ORKCA for the last two years. Cienna manages all the waterpoints on the reserve, grades the tracks and boreholes. Cienna is incredibly handy at fixing things, he maintains all the vehicles. Cienna’s particular interest in medicinal plants, spending time with him in the bush is like downloading a botanical encyclopedia, he knows all the properties of all the plants.
Julian Jaar,
Field Ranger
Julian is from Warmbad. Julian stays on ORKCA HQ during the week as he tirelessly oversees the farm’s water systems. Additionally, Julian is the go-to person for fence maintenance and removals, and maintaining the vehicle tracks within the reserve. In addition to his efforts on the farm, Julian also dedicates time to nurturing the ORKCA vegetable garden and tending to the indigenous tree bank nursery, showcasing his interest in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, with the tree bank nursery serving as an important project for future carbon sequestration efforts. In his off time, Julian relishes watching rugby and immersing himself in the excitement of the sport when he can.
SILKE FELTON,
Head of Fundraising
Silke Felton brings more than 20 years of experience working with international donors, NGOs and governments across Namibia and the southern African region. Her career has focused on mobilising resources for impactful programmes, building strong partnerships, and strengthening the capacity of local organisations.
Before joining ORKCA, Silke held senior roles with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including Regional Technical Advisor for Southern Africa and Deputy Country Director for USAID Eswatini. In these roles she worked closely with governments, civil society organisations and international partners to design and oversee large-scale programmes, while also supporting local organisations to strengthen systems and access international funding.
Silke has extensive experience in grant development and management, having led the design of major funding opportunities, negotiated complex donor agreements, and guided organisations in proposal development and compliance.
Earlier in her career she worked with UNICEF in Namibia and Angola and served as Executive Director of the Working Group of Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa, supporting the rights and development of San communities.
At ORKCA, Silke leads the organisation’s fundraising strategy and works to build strong relationships with philanthropic, institutional, and impact partners who share ORKCA’s vision for landscape-scale conservation and community development in southern Namibia.
Having lived and worked in Namibia for many years, she is deeply committed to the country’s landscapes and people and enjoys exploring its wild places on foot.
SARAH SRA,
Project Research Coordinator
Sarah supports the development of research, monitoring, and strategic initiatives that advance landscape-scale conservation and rewilding efforts across the region.
She holds a Master of International Forestry degree and is currently completing a second MSc focused on human-wildlife conflict in Namibia, with a particular interest in how climate change is reshaping relationships between people and wildlife. She has experience working and volunteering across much of eastern and southern Africa, contributing to a range of conservation initiatives in diverse ecological and community contexts.
Sarah has experience working with Indigenous and local communities in both Canada and across Africa on initiatives that support conservation planning, knowledge sharing, and community-informed decision-making. Her work is grounded in a commitment to approaches that are both scientifically rigorous and socially meaningful, with a strong emphasis on partnership building and long-term resilience.
Having grown up spending much of her time outdoors, Sarah developed an early connection to the natural world that continues to shape her work. She is deeply motivated by the opportunity to contribute to conservation models that restore ecological integrity while supporting the communities who live within and alongside these landscapes.
Board Members
Dr. Greg Stuart-Hill
Former Conservation Director for WWF-Namibia.
Carolin Mutorwa
Marine Programme Lead, Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF)
Eneas Mwanyangapo
Chartered Accountant
Founders
Andreia Pawel
Co-Founder
Andreia’s origins are from Brazil, and she grew up in England where she became a British Fencing Champion. Andreia’s fascination for primates and itch for cultural immersions took her to field experience in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Brazil, and Kenya. Andreia completed an MSc in Primatology & Conservation at The Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology and then became a conservation entrepreneur. Alongside that, Andreia’s thesis on environmental education led to work in Tanzania where she directed and produced an award-winning environmental education film shown at the Sondrio Wildlife Film Festival.
Andreia co-founded Oana Namibia and led as the CEO, one of Namibia’s leading adventure tourism organizations which has now closed.
Andreia also co-founded Oana Community Foundation, a non-profit organization in Southern Namibia. Andreia, alongside her business partner Ed, has gained experience in landscape restoration through the process of rewilding Kum Kum Reserve, one of the founding members to join ORKCA.
Red Barthorp
Co-Founder & Strategic Consultant
Ed grew up in the Cotswolds of the UK, where he enjoyed the countryside upbringing yet always had one eye on the wilds of Africa. Ed found his feet in Kenya ten years ago with involvement in projects with Northern Rangelands Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Loisaba Conservancy.
Ed then moved to work for the Tanzania People and Wildlife Fund before completing an MSc in Conservation and Business at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology.
Ed has been in southern Namibia for the past six years co-founding the adventure-conservation expedition company, Oana Namibia, whilst concurrently co-founding the non-profit Oana Community Foundation. Ed’s passion lies in landscape conservation, big ideas, creative and original tourism and rewilding. He is an avid explorer, surfer, mountaineer and horticulturist.
Advisory Panel
At ORKCA, our mission is fuelled by the commitment and action of our incredible Patrons. These passionate individuals from around the globe embody the spirit of change, actively steering the ORKCA ship towards our shared mission. They are the Doers, the driving force propelling our vision into reality. We are profoundly grateful for this constellation of inspiring individuals whose guidance and support light our path on this ever-challenging journey. Join us in acknowledging and celebrating our invaluable Patrons, the true heartbeat of ORKCA.
Lisa Yao
Product Strategy Lead, Google
Lisa is drawn to ORKCA’s visionary approach to conservation and rewilding that not only honors nature, but also the long term interaction of communities with the environment. She believes that conservation projects of ORKCA’s ambition and caliber are once-in-a-century and is excited to support ORKCA in bringing its vision to fruition, especially by connecting communities around the world to ORKCA’s cause.
Lisa works on product strategy for Google’s search advertising business based out of San Francisco and previously worked on strategy and consulting for the U.S. National Park Service, World Bank, and a small & medium enterprise investment firm in South Africa. She holds an MBA, Masters in Public Administration in International Development, and Bachelors degree from Harvard University. Lisa is an avid backpacker and bike-packer and love to explore and savor wildernesses around the globe.
Ben Goldsmith
CEO Menhaden Capital, Financier and Environmentalist
“I am unbelievably excited to be playing a part in ORKCA’s mission to piece back together and restore vibrancy to one of the African continent’s most magical landscapes.”
Ben Goldsmith, an esteemed member of our International Advisory Council, boasts a wealth of expertise in environmental stewardship and sustainable investments. Serving as the Chief Executive of Menhaden Resource Efficiency Plc, a London-listed investment trust dedicated to green-focused initiatives, Ben has been at the forefront of driving change. His previous co-founding role at WHEB Asset Management, emphasizing sustainability, underscores his deep-rooted commitment to environmental causes.
Chris and Monique Fallows
Conservationists
Arid landscapes, whilst incredibly resilient are also amongst the most sensitive, harbouring some of the most uniquely adapted fauna and flora on the planet. These landscapes require a particularly sensitive touch, and to this effect Orkca’s vision of purchasing and protecting arid habitat aligns perfectly with our overall objective of conserving fragile biodiversity. As climate change has ever greater impacts, so the need to create expansive drought resilient landscapes that are managed by knowledgeable, passionate and ecologically sensitive custodians, is more critical than ever.
Chris and Monique are passionate naturalists spending extensive periods with various wildlife species in the wilds of Southern and East Africa, as well as photographing iconic wildlife species on all seven continents for the past 30 years.
Through their marine ecotourism business specializing in the natural hunting behavior of great white sharks, Chris, Monique and their team documented more than 10,400 predatory events over a period of nearly three decades.
This is the largest database of its kind in the world, resulting in 18 peer reviewed scientific papers.
Chris was the first person to document Seal Island’s breaching great white sharks in 1996, capturing the first photographs of this now-famous behaviour off the coast of Cape Town. From 2001 to 2021, Chris served as a host for “Air Jaws,” an Emmy-nominated documentary series featured on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.
Chris uses his photography and storytelling to highlight environmental threats and inspire sustainable coexistence with wildlife, aiming to protect biodiversity and celebrate our planet’s iconic species.
Monique is an accomplished public speaker and children’s book author. Her passion lies in educating young children about ecosystems and the importance of each animal’s role in keeping ecosystems healthy and in balance.
Kristian Teleki
CEO at Fauna & Flora
“I believe in the power of collective action to protect our ocean and land spaces while working with the communities that depend on them. ORKCA embodies this spirit, combining passion, innovation, and collaboration to secure a future for our planet. I’m truly honoured to contribute to this mission.”
Kristian joined Fauna & Flora in July 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in ocean and wildlife conservation. Before this, he was the Global Director of the Ocean Programme at the World Resources Institute and Ocean Action Agenda at the World Economic Forum, where he led initiatives like Friends of Ocean Action and the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Starting his career in coral reef research, Kristian has held senior roles with organisations including UNEP-WCMC, the Global Ocean Commission, and the Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit, driving global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainability.
Sean Gerrity
Founder of American Prairie Reserve (APR)
Michael Markland
Sebastian Turner
Lead Trustee Regenerative Landscapes, Oak Foundation
ORKCA is committed to restoring degraded landscape while prioritizing the needs of the local communities. This commitment is one of the many reasons I am excited to be part of this panel and to contribute to conservation initiatives in the Southern Namibian landscape.
I am the lead trustee for the Regenerative Landscapes sub-program at the Oak Foundation. My team and I focus on rewilding and regenerative agriculture in Southern Africa. Through my work, I have the privilege of collaborating with various organizations and participating in wildlife reintroductions. I grew up in North Carolina, where my father introduced me to hunting and fishing, which sparked my passion for conservation.
ORKCA Community Advisory Council
The ORKCA Community Advisory Council includes representatives from Southern Namibian communities, bringing together local knowledge and perspectives that keep ORKCA connected to the realities of the region and Nama people.
The Council provides guidance to ensure ORKCA programmes are relevant, culturally sensitive, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable. Their input helps ORKCA develop conservation solutions that truly work for the communities served. We are grateful for their dedication as the Advisory Council plays an essential role in shaping ORKCA’s work on the ground.
Theuns Snewe
‘’I joined ORKCA because of my strong interest in game conservation. I served as a volunteer game guard, which demonstrates my commitment to wildlife protection and my willingness to contribute my time and skills for the community.’’
Theuns is a community leader from Haib and serves as the Secretary of the Bondelswarts Traditional Authority, with extensive experience in communal land governance, conservation, and agriculture. His previous experience includes serving as Chairperson of the Early Childhood Development Committee, working as a Game Guard for the //Gamaseb Conservancy, and currently serving a second term on the //Kharas Communal Land Board, appointed by the Bondelswarts Traditional Authority.Â
He has completed training in communal land administration, governance, agriculture, and financial management, and brings strong knowledge of game management and community conservation.
Marius April
(Vice Chairperson)
‘’I simply agree with the purpose for the council’s establishment and my passion for community development.’’
Marius grew up in southern Namibia, and is currently a Socio-Cultural and Activities Facilitator, Inspired by the role local communities play in conservation. He holds a National Diploma in Financial Administration from the Hanns Seidel Foundation and has completed professional development courses in community development, leadership, business administration, and project management.Â
He previously worked at the Namibia Statistics Agency, from Data Entry Clerk to Team Supervisor of field staff, gaining extensive experience in leadership, communication, stakeholder management, planning, conservancy management, standard operating procedures, livestock production, and rangeland management. In addition, he has successfully managed his own business for several years, leveraging his expertise in business and financial management.
Xavier Swartbooi
My relationship with the organisation began in 2020, working with Ed and Andreia on projects in the //Gamaseb Conservancy, including the Soup Kitchen, support for game guards, the Garden Project, and the construction of the Gabis headquarters.
I believe in building self-reliant communities through the sustainable use of natural resources. ORKCA’s mission to drive conservation-led economic growth in southern Namibia aligns strongly with my values. Despite being a young organisation, its impact is clear, and I have full confidence in the team’s dedication to creating lasting change in a long-overlooked region.
Xavier born and raised in the Karas Region is a community development and environmental advocate. He is currently a Ranger with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), and previously served as the Manager of //Gamaseb Conservancy. He holds qualifications in Tourism and Hospitality Management and Tour Guiding from Monitronics Success College and the Namibia Tourism and Hospitality Academy at Ai-Ais Transfrontier Park.
Previously, he contributed to conservation and climate-resilient initiatives within the //Gamaseb Conservancy, supporting ecosystem protection and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. He is also engaged in youth empowerment, working through mentorship and community programs that promote environmental stewardship and leadership.
Noita Josob
“I joined the ORKCA Advisory Council to actively contribute to a turning point in development and empowerment for the Nama community, providing informed guidance and support to advance ORKCA’s mission.’’
Noita, is a nature conservation honours graduate from NUST and, currently a Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Ranger at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Working in community-based conservation started during the 3rd year of her bachelor’s doing Work Integrated Learning research at the Gobabeb Research Institute. It was a research project focused on Riverine Vegetation use for household purposes and vegetation mapping amongst the Topnaar Community in the Namib Desert.Â
She continued on to do voluntary work at the MEFT mainly in the department of CBNRM during her gap year of studies. This exposure led her to choose the field of Community work during her honours which led to her current role as a CBNRM ranger. The passion for nature conservation was sparked early by her extensive exposure on field trips and her desire to be involved in conserving the beauty of Mother Nature. Working in the south as a ranger has given Noita multiple opportunities to engage with the Nama community as a partner in CBNRM from the side of the Ministry.
Yvonne Jacobs
‘’Caring for the environment and protecting wildlife is something that is of crucial importance and since I am a great lover of nature with all its being, I have learned over time what ORKCA is all about, and so I gladly joined as an advisory council member.’’
Yvonne is the co-founder of ‘The Voice of Warmbad Youth Group’, and pursued professional courses in Receptionist and Administration Officer training and gained experience as a transcriber at Katutura Magistrate’s Court (2012–2016), where she developed a strong interest in the legal field.
Passionate about community service, she founded The Voice of Warmbad Youth Group, where she currently serves as Treasurer and Cultural Officer, advocating for youth empowerment and serving as a voice for the voiceless.Â
She also coordinates the Caritas Charity Group at her local church and has been nominated by the community as Communications Officer for an association currently in the registration process.