The University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Katima Mulilo campus inaugurated an extension to its Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies, enhancing educational resources for students in the field.
The expansion aims to address the growing need for skilled professionals in wildlife management and eco-tourism within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Nangolo Mbumba, who also serves as UNAM’s Chancellor, highlighted the significance of the new facility for the country’s educational and economic development.
The new facility is expected to improve academic programmes, increase enrolment, and support Namibia’s efforts in promoting eco-tourism, which is critical for both economic growth and conservation initiatives in the KAZA TFCA.
“The KAZA TFCA is home to several national parks rich in the biodiversity of flora and fauna. One of the ways to address the immense challenges and development prospects in the area is through the development of the youth by motivating them to take advantage of the opportunities that the parks present,” Mbumba said.
He noted the significance of this expansion for the Kavango and Zambezi regions, which is rich in biodiversity and has significant economic potential through tourism.
The newly extended department is also expected to empower communities across the Zambezi, Kavango East and West and Kunene regions.
This comes as human-wildlife conflicts are increasing in these areas, and UNAM’s expanded presence aims to help local leaders and residents navigate and resolve these issues.
“In the Zambezi region, Kavango East and West and Kunene regions, we are faced with increased human-wildlife conflicts, and thus UNAM’s presence here will empower Namibia’s human resources with the required know-how to help craft strategies for a peaceful human-wildlife co-existence,” Mbumba said.
The President expressed gratitude to the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for its support of Namibian development efforts.
He noted that Germany’s partnerships with UNAM and other Namibian institutions have been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities in wildlife management and tourism.
“These collaborations include staff and student exchanges, joint curriculum development, and research initiatives. UNAM currently has approximately 50 active partnerships with institutions such as the Universities of Cologne, Bonn, DHBW Ravensburg, Berlin, Stuttgart, Humboldt, and Anhalt University, among others,” he noted.
President Mbumba commended the Vice Chancellor of UNAM, Kenneth Matengu, and all involved parties for their efforts in bringing the extension project to fruition.
He affirmed that this development would benefit not only Namibia but also the five nations within the KAZA TFCA, providing educational opportunities that empower local youth with the skills needed to support conservation and community upliftment.
