<p>The 31<sup>st</sup> Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) – European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) which took place from 8 – 15 June 2016 at Safari Court Hotel and Conference Centre in Windhoek, was hosted by the National assembly of the Republic of Namibia in cooperation with the EU delegation to Namibia.</p>
<p>A workshop intended to showcase Namibian conservancies as tools that support sustainable livelihoods was held on 12 June 2016. NACSO and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism took part in the workshop. Hon. Tommy Nambahu, Deputy Minister of the MET delivered the keynote address highlighting the conservation success in Namibia through communal conservancies. An overview of the CBNRM programme in Namibia, the successes and challenges was given by Mr Colgar Sikopo, Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management. Conservancy representatives from ≠Khoadi //Hoas, Mashi, Salambala, Sorris Sorris, Uibasen Tweyfelfontein and Wuparo attended the workshop as well as CBNRM stakeholders. Members of the ACP-EU-JPA asked about the involvement of locals in protection of high value and endangered species and the effect of hunting on wildlife and conservation. Asser Ntjitezeua, chairperson of ≠Khoadi //Hoas conservancy, responded by saying “Conservancies condone poaching. With regards to hunting, we hunt to conserve and not conserve to hunt”</p>
<p>A reception was held on 13 June 2016. Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of the MET, informed the attendees in his speech of the increase in numbers of endangered and protected wildlife in Namibia over the years due to practical and exceptional management programmes. The Isak Katali cultural group from Uukolonkhadi conservancy performed traditional dances showcasing one of the Namibian cultures. Members of the ACP-EU commended Namibia on the great wildlife management practices and the involvement of rural communities in conservation.</p>
