Conservation and development must not become enemies

The dispute unfolding in the Kunene Region between the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority and tourism operator Ultimate Safaris is far more than a local disagreement over mining permits or conservation fees.

It is a defining test of Namibia’s ability to balance environmental stewardship, economic development, traditional governance and the rule of law.

At its heart lies a question that many developing nations continue to wrestle with: how does a country rich in natural resources create desperately needed jobs without destroying the very environmental assets that can sustain communities for generations?

The arguments on both sides deserve careful consideration.

The Dâure Daman Traditional Authority and local miners contend that government-issued mining licences represent an opportunity for economic empowerment. In a region where unemployment and poverty remain stubbornly high, the promise of hundreds of jobs cannot simply be dismissed. For many residents, mining represents tangible income, improved livelihoods and a chance for Black-owned enterprises to participate meaningfully in Namibia’s economy.