NAMIBIA CRANE ACTION PLAN

incorporating wetland birds and their habitats, in association with

the Namibia Wetland Working Group

www.nnf.org.na/cranes.htm

Background• First Namibia Crane Workshop at Etosha in May 2004• Partnership among NNF, SIDA, MET, the African Wattled

Crane Programme (ICF / EWT) and many other supporters• Vision: cranes and people sharing habitats in harmony in

Namibia• Mission: to conserve cranes and their habitats in partnership

with the people who share these habitats

Conservation status• Blue Crane is Critically Endangered in Namibia, population declining - Numbers overall: 20 000, Namibia 60 ?• Wattled Crane is Critically Endangered in Namibia, population stable; - Numbers overall: 8 000, Namibia 200• Grey Crowned Cane is Near Threatened in Namibia, population stable/

decreasing; - Numbers overall: 58 000 – 77 000; Namibia < 50

Action plan1. Co-ordinate conservation

effort and promote networking• Newsletters (38 to date) with ongoing contributions• Website• Regular (local community) workshops and local meetings• Wide communication network: local, regional, national,

international

2. Obtain information and data

• Aerial and ground crane counts as part of a separate Blue Crane Project at Etosha and surrounds; aerial survey over southern Angola

• Radio and satellite tracking project for Blue Cranes in Etosha

• Wattled Crane counts (including aerial surveys) in Bushmanland, Caprivi, Kavango

2. Promote conservation awareness /education

• Production and distribution of crane awareness materials e.g. crane activity book, posters including on Red Listed cranes/inland wetland birds

• See 1 (above)

4. Conserve crane populations and habitats

• Integrate crane conservation aspects into regular MET and conservancy management activities

(including monitoring –

event book)

• Ongoing liaison with

Wetland Working Group

5. Promote the economic value of cranes and their habitats

• Promote wetland bird-based tourism

6. Build capacity

• Local community workshops, bird clubs

• Bird guide training (NATH level III)

7. Develop area-based crane management strategies

• Local crane working groups are in place in main 5 crane conservation areas

• Promote community involvement on a local level

Acknowledgements

The implementation of the Namibia craneaction plan has been funded by:• 2004 Sida (LEF) • 2005 Sida (LEF)• 2006 Sida (LEF)• 2007 (subsidized privately)• 2008-2009 GEF SGP

The ongoing interest and assistance ofcountless other supporters and partners isacknowledged with grateful thanks.