Namibia’s Wildlife Economy

This documentary traces the history of wildlife conservation policies in Namibia and southern Africa, from the colonial era through to modern-day policies. Against a backdrop of a global biodiversity crisis, Namibia is a global leader in wildlife conservation. Namibia has more wildlife today than at any time in the past 100 years. The country hosts the largest free roaming population of black rhino and co-hosts the largest population of savannah elephants in the world.

The scientists, government representatives, community leaders and landowners interviewed in this film series unpack the reasons for Namibia’s success, revealing a surprising link between sustainable use and conservation. The documentary tackles the controversial topic of trophy hunting head-on, exploring how it fits within Namibia’s broader wildlife economy and philosophy of rights-based conservation. By granting communities and freehold farmers the rights to use and benefit from wildlife, Namibia has created the conditions for wildlife management to outcompete other forms of land use such as conventional farming, and for wildlife and people to thrive together. Where neighbouring countries have adopted a similar approach, similar success has been achieved. Namibia’s wildlife economy has not yet reached its full potential due to international restrictions on how wildlife can be used and traded.

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