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BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION
The first two (2) cases of COVID-19 were reported in Namibia on the
14 March 2020. Thereafter, a State of Emergency was declared by
President H. Geingob on 17 March 2020 and proclaimed on 18 March
2020. In light of the aforementioned proclamation, NAPHA deemed it
prudent to conduct a survey to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trophy hunting sector in
Namibia as Namibia’s borders were systematically closed down apart for essential services.
Partial lockdowns ensued for two regions for a period of three weeks with the rest of the country to follow suite.
Pretty much everything came to a grinding halt until the 5th May 2020.
It was during this period that NAPHA, on the 20th of April 2020 distributed the “NAPHA – COVID-19 IMPACT
SURVEY – APRIL 2020” via its WhatsApp platform at which time members were requested to distribute the
survey to engage a wider audience. The impact survey ran for 7 days and closed on the 27th of April 2020. This
quantifiable sampling, we believe, would provide tangible data to assess the situation.
The response was well above what was expected with 132 respondents. This equated to 119 NAPHA
members, representing 35% of NAPHA’s 341 registered members. The remaining 13 respondents were non-
members. A word of gratitude to all those who partook in the survey. Your contribution is invaluable and has
provided valuable information to strengthen discussions with government and stakeholders in our response to
measures post COVID-19.
INTRODUCTION TO NAMIBIA PROFESSIONAL HUNTING ASSOCIATION – NAPHA
With a proud 46-year history, NAPHA has been at the forefront of promoting the sustainable utilisation of our
wildlife resources through conservation hunting and is acknowledged as such by the Ministry of Environment,
Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). With wildlife numbers on the constant rise since the 1970’s, this strictly regulated
sector has continually and significantly contributed towards employment creation, food security and development
in communal areas through the conservancy program, national parks as well as on title deed areas. The
conservation hunting sector in Namibia is completely reliant on international hunting tourists and is fundamental
to support our membership in all possible ways as this will… [Read more]
© Namibia Professional Hunting Association
© Namibia Professional
Hunting Association
15 May 2020
NAPHA NewsletterA compilation of news selected for you by your NAPHA Team
In this edition:
1. Results: Impact due to COVID-
19 related measures
2. FENATA: Recovery Plan for
Tourism in Namibia
3. Hunting School Resumes
4. MET Press Release
5. Big Game Committee
Feedback
6. Food for thought
7. Release of N$30 note
8. COVID-19 Market Blitz – NTB
9. World Bee Day – 20 May 2020
10. In Memoriam
11. DSCF COVID-19 Relief Fund
12. #WeNeedOurPangolinsAlive
13. Is the Animal Rights doctrine
killing Africa's wildlife?
14. The 48 highly invasive /
potentially invasive alien plants
15. Uniquely Sighted!
Issue 18/2020
Results: Report on the Impact due to
COVID-19 related measures
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020Page 2
Thank you to our
corporate partners:
FENATA: Recovery Plan for Tourism in Namibia
Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations
To: The Minister of Environment and Tourism
Honourable Pohamba Shifeta
Copies to: Minister of Finance: Honourable Ipumbu Shiimi
Minister of Public Enterprise: Honourable Leon Jooste
Windhoek, 12th May 2020
Honourable Ministers,
Re.: Recovery Plan for Tourism in Namibia
This document serves to inform you, Honourable Ministers, as
members of Cabinet responsible for key areas of Government, about
the current overall situation in the wider tourism sector.
On Thursday, 07th May 2020, during a Zoom-Meeting with the
Director of Tourism, the wider tourism community was requested to
make yet another submission to Government, highlighting the current
situation and making proposals for the way forward.
As it seems, some levels of Government have still not realized the
severe predicament that not only tourism, but our entire country finds
itself in and that urgent ACTION is needed rather than more talk.
But following the request, I will herewith, yet again, submit our position
as it is at the current stage, hopefully giving you valuable insight for
your next Cabinet Committee meeting.
Current Situation (Stage 2 of National Corona Crisis
Management):
Most tourism entities are now in their fourth month of low to zero
income, where they need to keep the business afloat by tapping into
their, often very limited, reserves. For most tourism entities, each
passing day is a step closer to permanent business closure, if no
funding can be secured from outside, be it through a Government
subsidy, access to capital from commercial banks at preferred rates,
tax reductions or holidays or any other means of financial support.
The recently published labour directives have now also put even more
severe strain on tourism entities and the economic backlash of this will
haunt us in the months and years to come. [Read more]
In an attempt to gather an understanding from Government on the
impact of emergency situation related measurements, the Federation
of Tourism Associations of Namibia (FENATA) has repeatedly raised
concerns and provided possible solutions to try and limit the impact of
the current measures on the Tourism Sector and the Country.
HUNTING SCHOOL RESUMES
Page 3
Thank you to our
corporate partners:
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2020 DATES
NAPHA hereby announces the dates for both the PDN (Previously
Disadvantaged Namibian) course as well as the HG (Hunting Guide)
/ PH (Professional Hunter) courses.
In order to gauge the amount of interest in these courses, we kindly
request interested parties to reserve their place on the relevant
course with NAPHA as soon as possible as space is limited.
PDN Course:29 July to 11 August 2020, followed by examinations on 12 and 13
August 2020.
Candidates qualifying for a re-write of the exams will receive
preference and will have the opportunity to attend the entire course
at a reduced rate.
A course can be confirmed with a minimum of 8 candidates and a
maximum of 16.
VENUE: Etango Ranch (diagonally opposite to the turnoff to
Hosea Kutako International Airport).
COSTS: to be advised on 22 May 2020.
HG / PH Courses:The course for aspiring Hunting Guides / Professional Hunters is set
up in 2 options:
a) A short course, where three modules will be offered of 1 day each:
TROPHY: 06 October 2020.
GAME: 07 October 2020.
LEGISLATION: 08 October 2020.
A course can be confirmed with a minimum of 8 candidates and a
maximum of 16.
VENUE: Etango Ranch (diagonally opposite to the turnoff to
Hosea Kutako International Airport).
COSTS: to be advised on 22 May 2020.
b) A longer, 10-day course from 19 to 30 October 2020 (including an
open weekend). A course can be confirmed with a minimum of 8
candidates and a maximum of 16.
VENUE: Etango Ranch (diagonally opposite to the turnoff to
Hosea Kutako International Airport).
COSTS: to be advised on 22 May 2020.
Page 4 NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
Big Game Committee Feedback
on Hunting Concessions
With the closure of Namibia’s borders, the hunting
sector was severely impacted. The resulting loss of
income not only impacts GDP of the country, but
also conservation efforts of our nation.
Hunting concessions in communal conservancies
and on government land, need to be reviewed to
safeguard employment and partnerships as far as
possible.
The NAPHA Big Game Committee was kept busy
over the last weeks with discussions and
consultations with members, stakeholders and
authorities.
A NAPHA letter was submitted to the Ministry of
Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s Director of
Parks and Wildlife and we await a reply from the
Ministry.
It is NAPHA’s express desire that, whilst we await
finalisation of an updated Elephant Management
Plan, stringent minimum requirements for the
hunting of trophy elephant should be applied.
You can read the letter here.
Subject: Hospitality and Tourism Sectors allowed to operate
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism wishes to clarify that as of the 5th May 2020 when the
country entered the Stage 2 of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, all productive activities are allowed to
operate with strict health measures. The tourism and hospitality are included in this category of productive
activities.
Tourism operations, specifically accommodation establishments, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, lodges,
back packers, campsites, restaurants and transport are allowed to operate.
The specific regulations are still to be gazetted, however we encourage the sector to in the main time observe
social distancing and hygiene protocols already in place.
Restaurants and food outlets must not have seating clients but rather take-home orders. In accordance with
Stage 2 restrictions, alcohol may not be served in any restaurant or accommodation establishment. The
opening of casinos, gambling houses and bars is strictly prohibited at this stage since they are contact activities
and contact traceability cannot be guaranteed.
The Ministry understands and recognizes that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism and
hospitality sector has been particularly hard hit. The sector is suffering significant losses in [Read more]
Republic of Namibia
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
Press Release14 May 2020
Page 5
Release of N$30 note
The Bank of Namibia (BoN) announced that a N$30 banknote will be available from commercial banks as of
Friday, May 15, 2020.
This note was designed
to commemorate
Namibia's 30th
Independence on
March 21st, 2020.
According to BoN, the
notes will only be
available at counters
inside commercial
banks, not ATM’s.
Collectors can obtain
the note by exchanging
them for notes of equal
value. The N$30 note
may be used for public
transactions.Source: Republikein
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
Corona in Namibia. Dr Martin Wucher, a Namibian,
has compiled a four-part series on do's and don't’s to
survive a corona infection with confidence.
Part 1 gives background information so you can
understand viruses and what happens if they enter
our body. Have fun, enjoy and stay healthy!
Part 2 gives recommendations on what you can do
at home and for yourself and loved ones to come
through this alive and well. Have fun, enjoy and stay
healthy!
Part 3 deals with specific treatment possibilities in
the case of respiratory distress. Check out the
stunning possibilities that may be helpful and may
even save your life.
Part 4 deals with specific prevention possibilities for
the nation as a whole. Check out the stunning
possibilities that are simple, helpful and affordable
and have the potential to save many lives.
Food for thought: Dr Martin Wucher
Current measures are only part of the solution.
Dr Martin Wucher has compiled current research and
epidemiological models to develop a Namibian
National Supplementation Program. He outlines the reasons and benefits of such an intervention in order to
save the country from endless human and economic hardship. This program will work for Namibia and other
parts of the world.
Have fun, think and enjoy.
In order to be able to feed the world’s growing
population, we need ever more food, which must be
diverse, balanced and of good quality to ensure the
progress and well-being of humankind.
Bees are renowned for their role in providing high-
quality food (honey, royal jelly and pollen) and other
products used in healthcare and other sectors
(beeswax, propolis, honeybee venom). But the work
of bees entails much more!
The greatest contribution of bees and other
pollinators is the pollination of nearly three quarters of
the plants that produce 90% of the world’s food. A
third of the world’s food production depends on bees,
i.e. every third spoonful of food depends on
pollination.Source: worldbeeday.org
Wieviel ist ein Glas Honig wert?
Gespräch mit der Bienenkönigin:
“Erlauben Sie mir einen Wunsch zu sagen.
Ich möcht ein Gläschen Honig haben.
Was kostet's? Ich bin zu zahlen bereit.
Für was Gutes ist mir mein Geld nicht leid.“
“Sie wollen was Gutes für Ihr Geld?
Sie kriegen das Beste von der Welt!
Sie kaufen gold’nen Sonnenschein,
Sie kaufen pure Gesundheit ein!“
“Was Bess‘res als Honig hat keiner erfunden.
Der Preis? Ich verrechne die Arbeitsstunden.
Zwölftausend Stunden waren zu fliegen,
um so viel Honig zu zusammen zu kriegen.
Ja meine Leute waren fleißig!
Die Stunde? Ich rechne zwei Mark dreißig.
Nun rechnen Sie sich's selber aus!
27.000 Mark und mehr.
Hier ist die Rechnung, ich bitte sehr!“
Josef Guggenmos (1922)
Page 6
GERMANY: Opening of borders to be decided soon
• The German Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer wants to decide on the opening of borders before
Whitsun: Until the 15th May, the barriers will remain closed, according to current plans. Although the EU is
planning a uniform regulation, it is likely to be difficult to enforce it according to current knowledge. While
some countries are pushing for timely visits by tourists, other nations do not want to rush things.
• In North Rhine Westphalia, Germany's most populous federal state, hotels will open again for German
tourists on the 21st of May, in Baden Württemberg on the 29th of May and in Bavaria on the 30th of May. For
Hamburg the 18th of May is under discussion.
AUSTRIA: Hoping for German tourists
• Austria has been very openly presenting itself for some time now including the hope for numerous tourists
from Germany. A special regulation for citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany has already been
considered. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz assumes "that the border to Germany will be opened before
the summer".
SWITZERLAND: Pushing the pace when it comes to relaxation
• The Swiss government is rapidly relaxing one measure after another that it had taken in the fight against the
corona pandemic. From the 11th of May, restaurants are allowed to reopen, and athletes are able to train
again, among other things. But there are also critical voices warning against the potentially disastrous
consequences of the relaxation. [Read more]Source: Namibia Tourism Board
COVID-19 Market Blitz – Namibia Tourism Board
World Bee Day – 20 May 2020
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
Page 7 NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
In Memoriam
Naftal Aebeb*30.06.75 †14.05.20
Naftal passed away suddenly after an
operation. He was one of the first PDN
students to qualify as a hunting guide in
Namibia even though he did not have any
formal schooling.
Enclosed is a last letter from a long
standing client and friend of Naftal’s.
Ken and Lynda Morris
And the Byseewah Safaris Team
Page 8
DSCF COVID-19 Relief FundAs a part of DSC / DSC Foundation's Hunters CARE
(COVID Anti-poaching Relief Effort) initiative, the DSC
Foundation has unveiled plans for the creation of the
DSCF COVID-19 Relief Fund designed to raise
money in support of critical anti-poaching efforts.
Additional components of this significant and
important effort will be announced soon.
Hunting operators largely self-fund anti-poaching
efforts. Due to the devastating financial impact of the
Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting loss of
hunting revenue used to fund those efforts, the need
for anti-poaching assistance has never been greater.
Poaching has not abated during the pandemic. In fact,
reports suggest it, along with habitat degradation, is
on the increase as poaching syndicates take
advantage of the turmoil. [Read more]
#WeNeedOurPangolinsAlive
This is a pangolin, one of the world’s most threatened
species. Pangolins are illegally trafficked around the
world for their scales leading to a decline in their
numbers.
This little fellow in the picture was confiscated from a
25 year old suspect arrested in the afternoon of 13
May 2020 in Windhoek.
The pangolin was visibly stressed with injuries on its
body. The Ministry took the pangolin to a wildlife vet
for rehabilitation and to later be released in the wild.
In Namibia, possession, trafficking and trade in
pangolins is a crime.
Be reminded that there are rewards for people who
provide us with information leading to the arrest and
prosecution of suspects catching, killing and trading in
pangolins and for information leading to the seizure of
pangolins or pangolin parts and products.
#WeNeedOurPangolinsAlive
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
© The New York Times
Page 9
Is the Animal Rights doctrine killing Africa's wildlife?Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a wildlife poaching
crisis. Billions of dollars are sunk into ‘development’
aid and innumerable ‘conservation’ organizations
dedicating themselves to saving one species or
another. Add to that the never-ending high-level
conferences that are held to address the issues and,
not forgetting, the ivory-burning fests.
Despite of all of this natural habitats continue to be
destroyed and the wildlife in them annihilated. Why?
Could it be that the people who live with wildlife have
been dispossessed of their right to manage their own
resources? Have Africans bought into the Western-
driven Animal Rights doctrine which has come to
dominate the conservation landscape?
This short video compares the traditional African
Sustainable Use model with the alien, Western
Animal Rights ideology.
Tactical Sports
is open from
08:00 until 17:00
Monday to
Friday.
061 401 447
info@tac-sport.com
Source: The Conservation Imperative
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
An erect annual herbaceous plant
which reproduces only by seeds. It
produces a tap root and erect, often
branched stems from 0.1 to 2.0 m in
height. The stems are thick and
often ribbed or tinged with red. Its
leaves are alternate, long-stalked,
and ovate to rhombic-ovate. Leaf
and stem surfaces have small fine
hairs. Flowers are numerous, green,
and crowded into finger-like spikes
forming a long, dense terminal
panicle, with axillary spikes below.
The terminal spike is often lax.
Perianth segments 5, lanceolate,
acute, 2–3 mm long, subtended by bracteoles somewhat
longer, about 4 mm, with a long, sharp tip, causing the
inflorescence to feel distinctly prickly. Stamens 5. At maturity,
the entire plant may be reddish in colour. Seeds are round,
dark brown, shiny, somewhat flattened, and 1.0 to 1.5 mm in
diameter. [Read more]
Description
An annual grass native throughout
tropical Africa into Pakistan and
India. It has been introduced outside
of its native range into southern
Africa, North America and Australia.
It is used as a forage and famine
crop but more recently it has been
recognised as an invasive species.
The retrorsely barbed bristles are readily spread in
animal fur and can seriously reduce the value of animal
hides, while the barbs can damage the mouths of grazing
animals. In addition to this, it is possible for this species
to dominate disturbed areas and suppress the growth of
native biodiversity. [Read more]
Page 10
The 48 highly invasive / potentially invasive alien plants
What are Invasive Alien Plants?
Alien Plants are those that have been introduced intentionally or unintentionally to an area where they don’t
occur naturally. Invasive aliens establish, spread and take over from indigenous plant species and some use up
a lot of water. Namibia has recorded 287 alien plant species. We will introduce the 48 most important ones to
you over the next 8 weeks.
Salvinia molesta
Kariba weed
Cenchrus biflorus
Birdwood grass
Pennisetum setaceum
Fountain grass
Pennisetum clandestinum
Kikuyu grass
Amaranthus hybridus
Smooth pigweed
Alternanthera pungens
Paperthorn
Description
Free-floating, perennial
aquatic fern with horizontal
stems forming mats up to
2m thick. Leaves/fronds
successively paired, oval
to almost round, sometimes incised at the tip; surface bristly
due to hair-like strands that join at the tip to form characteristic
eggbeater shapes. A third, hairy frond modified to be root-like
hangs in the water. [Read more]
Description
Large, tuft-forming, sparsely
branched, perennial grass
up to 1 m high. Leaves up to
40 x 3 mm, neither rigid nor
spine-tipped. Flowers carried
on a bristly, feathery-looking,
spike-like inflorescence up to
25 cm long at stem tips,
often flushed purple or pink.
[Read more]
Description
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
© Wikipedia.org
© commons.wikimedia.org
© Coleen Mannheimer
An aggressive perennial
plant, spreading by rhizomes
below ground, especially by
long runners above ground,
and it also sets seed. It is
native to the highlands of
eastern Africa but has been widely introduced elsewhere
for forage and for soil conservation. In well managed
situations it does not generally spread very far but it is
highly tolerant of grazing and mowing and can steadily
invade poorly managed plantations. It also readily
invades natural vegetation with resultant loss of
biodiversity. [Read more]
A creeping, prostrate
perennial pioneer plant
spreading by seed and
vegetatively, with roots
often developing at the
nodes of spreading stems.
A plant of roadsides, path
verges and waste places (ruderal), it is thought to have come
from Central and South America, and to have become widely
established in Australia and Southern Africa. [Read more]
©Markus Hagenlocher
©Forest & Kim Starr
Page 11
Uniquely sighted
Have you seen something unique?
A breathtaking moment?
Share your pictures with
us for placement in the
Newsletter.
Pictures can be submitted via
E-mail to napha@napha.com.na
or WhatsApp to 081 299 3509.
“Hello. Anybody home?”
4m Python killed a young mountain goat at Otjitambi
Guest Farm
© Charly Schlettwein
© Charly Schlettwein
The veins of a Paw-paw leaf.
© Erwin Schwandt
Rainy season at Erindi.
© Wilfried Hähner © Charissa von Seydlitz
NAPHA Newsletter, 15 May 2020
Namibia Professional Hunting AssociationPO Box 11291
316-318 Sam Nujoma Avenue
Klein Windhoek
Windhoek
11009
Namibia
Telephone: +264 61 234 455
Mobile: +264 81 299 3509
Danene van der Westhuyzen, President: president@napha.com.na
Tanja Dahl, Chief Executive Officer: ceo@napha.com.na
Nicole Schwandt, Executive Assistant: napha@napha.com.na
Carlin Sobotta, Administrative Assistant: info@napha.com.na
Opinions expressed in the NAPHA Newsletter and on our website are not
necessarily those of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association and/or its
members and/or its employees. While care has been taken to ensure that
information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of
publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact
on the accuracy of this information. Neither the Namibia Professional Hunting
Association and/or its members and/or its employees accept responsibility for
any errors or omissions.
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