The Business, Enterprise and Livelihoods Working Group (bel WG) is a voluntary coalition of specialists from NGOs and Government Ministries focused on supporting conservancies and communities in Namibia to develop and enhance their business enterprises.
It consists of a loose alliance of smaller sub-groups, each dedicated to different sectors or opportunities like tourism, joint ventures, hunting, and natural products. These sub-groups meet and hold workshops as needed, while the entire group convenes at the start of each year for a feedback and planning workshop.
In 2009, CBNRM activities in Namibia generated over N$42 million, with 82% from conservancy-related activities and 18% from other CBNRM efforts. Of this, 57% of conservancy income came from tourism lodges via joint ventures, and 16% was from trophy hunting.
There remains significant potential for conservancies and communities to earn income by establishing and growing successful businesses; however, they often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to realise this potential.

The BEL WG comprises a loose alliance of smaller sub-groups which each focus on different enterprise sectors or opportunities – such as tourism, joint ventures, hunting and natural products. The sub-groups operate through meetings and workshops which are held as often as required. The full working group – with all sub-groups – holds a feedback and planning workshop at the beginning of each year.

In 2009, CBNRM activities in Namibia generated more than N$42 million: 82% from conservancy-related activities, 18% from other CBNRM activities. In 2009, 57% of conservancy income was derived from tourism lodges through joint venture agreements; 16% was earned from trophy hunting.

There is still enormous potential for conservancies and communities to generate income through establishing and developing successful businesses and enterprises. However, communities typically do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to fully realise this potential