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Guests visiting our islands automatically
contribute to the ongoing community and conservation projects.
One of the major contributions made by both Impalila Island
Lodge and Susuwe Island Lodge (Islands in Africa) is our
commitment to nurturing relationships with the local communities
in order to promote and encourage the conservation of resources
in these areas. The ideals of game conservation and the
practical needs of resident communities have not always
been at one.
However, Islands in Africa initiatives to
advance tourism, coupled with the commitment of government
and organisations such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), NACOPTA
(and Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation
(IRDNC) have created a platform for co-operation.
These initiatives include encouraging the establishment
of Conservancies amongst communities living on the borders
of national parks. Within the Conservancy framework, local
residents have received rights with regard to wildlife and
tourism. These are in turn managed by an elected Conservancy
Committee for the betterment of the community.
The Conservancy model proposes a means by
which these communities can be economically uplifted. In
the same breath, it encourages greater insight into the
importance of tourism for the area and the continued conservation
of those assets. By safeguarding the natural resources,
the community will benefit from tourists attracted to the
region. These benefits vary from the management and marketing
skills of the Lodges and direct financial gain of that success
to the development of self-help community projects and the
provision of diverse skills training.
The Conservancy committee must balance the
importance of traditional activities e.g. farming and fishing
without detrimentally affecting the natural resources. By
utilising the tourism concessions wisely and entering into
joint ventures with the private sector, such as Islands
in Africa, the communities benefit from their expertise
and acumen.
The rewards are intended to filter down to individual members
of the community providing an incentive for all to enter
into the spirit of conservation and tourism. Through the
impact of the Conservancies, the bio-diversity, game populations
and general environment attain great practical meaning.
Islands in Africa has wholeheartedly endorsed
the concept and has been instrumental in the formation of
Conservancies within their region.
The goals have been identified as follows:
- the inter-action of tourists and the rural community in
a mutually beneficial way.
- the advancement of social responsibilities and skills
training.
- the promotion of sustainable natural resource management.
- addressing needs such as health care.
- the promotion of sports and cultural development.
- the creation of responsible, consultative community projects.
In addition, the Lodge has:
- created employment and provided skills training opportunities
in both the development and operational stages of the project.
- funded, developed and constructed the Kubunyana camp site
which is fully community owned.
- assisted with ongoing training, marketing and reservations
at Kubunyana.
- provided basic hands-on specialised training during all
phases of the project.
- sourced local materials for the construction.
- invested N$250 000 back into the community during development
on employment and the procurement of natural resources.
On a practical level, Islands in Africa has been at the
forefront of identifying areas of potential and has negotiated
with the communities and stakeholders to conceptualise and
manage projects.
In line with the goals, great importance has
been attached to a "hands-on" approach at grass
roots level. Good community relations at the two Lodges
have been instrumental in the advancement of successful
eco- tourism as a whole. A number of concurrent projects
have also been identified.
Both Lodges are located in the Eastern Caprivi
region. Susuwe Island Lodge is situated on Birre Island
(Kwando river) in the Mayuni Conservancy and Impalila Island
in the proposed Impalila Conservancy at the confluence of
the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.
At Susuwe (Mayuni Conservancy), the relationship
existing between the Islands in Africa and the other parties
has fostered a progressive and successful Conservancy role
model. The communities, which exist on the eastern bank
of the Kwando River, manage concessions within the Bwabwata
National Park where the primary natural resource is game.
As a result of their commitment and expertise, Islands in
Africa was awarded a lease with respect to the development
of tourism in return for a percentage of the proceeds generated
by the Lodge.
The quid pro quo is that the Conservancy
undertakes to safeguard the natural resources by eliminating
poaching, eradicating indiscriminate burning and tree cutting,
ploughing and netting within the area.
At Impalila, the Lodge similarly assists in many different
ways all serving to enhance the quality of life of the community.
Not only is employment stimulated wherever possible, but
developments such as assistance at schools and self-management
schemes.
At both Lodges a bed levy has been introduced which is administered
by a committee made up of both community residents and lodge
management. The committee identifies projects and allocates
the funds appropriately with a view to managing the projects.
The involvement of the community also provides activities,
which are of interest to guests, such as a visit to a traditional
village; afro-botanical walks and visits to the local school.
It has been a long road, but at the end of
the day, the co-operation, understanding and commitment
existing between all parties has led to a marriage not only
of convenience but also of adaptation.
On a macro level, it is intended that awareness of the importance
of national tourism should be expanded amongst the local
populace, and through this the essential role that a vibrant
and unsullied environment incorporating game, fish and bird
life play, is underlined. The co-operation of all in protecting
and preserving the continent's remaining wilderness and
wildlife areas is paramount in ensuring that future generations
are able to enjoy the bounty of Africa.
Conservation is the true winner.
KUBUNYANA CAMPSITE
Camping is available at the Conservancy's campsite. Kubunyana
was built by Islands in Africa as part of the joint venture
partnership agreement with Chief Mayuni. The campsite is
managed by the community and is an important source of revenue
for them.
Kubunyana Camp is situated on the eastern bank of the Kwando
river alongside Birre Island overlooking a backwater of
the Kwando river. The campsite consists of two separate
facilities:
1. A tented camp - this consists of three large serviced
and furnished tents under thatch with it's own kitchen and
ablution block.
2. A campsite consisting of 4 campsites which can take 2
tents each, an ablution block and a communal kitchen
HARRY SCHWAB (GUEST) AND CHIEF
MAYUNI
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