The University of Namibia (UNAM) Katima Mulilo Campus is hosting the KAZA TFCA–UNAM Consortium of Universities Leadership Workshop under the theme “Mapping the Way Forward: From Consensus to Action.”

The two-day programme brings together academics and stakeholders to review and contribute to the KAZA Research Framework, with discussions focusing on key areas, including community development, human-wildlife conflict, land use and natural resources, wildlife and livestock, tourism, climate change, infrastructure, and governance.

UNAM Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, noted that with nearly three million people living within the KAZA region, land-use planning remains a major challenge. He highlighted that growing agricultural activities alongside conservation areas often intensify human-wildlife conflict.

Professor Matengu stressed that KAZA’s work goes beyond conservation to ensuring that communities benefit directly through improved livelihoods and food security.

The workshop will also assign thematic leads to participating universities and deliberate on a budget and fundraising action plan to strengthen collaborative research and implementation within the KAZA region.