The Story The Story presents: Planet Hope - A million-hectare conservation vision in Namibia
Nov 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, conservationist Andreia Pawel, co-founder of the Orange River-Karoo Conservation Area, highlights her ambitious plan for a million-hectare rewilding project in Namibia. She shares insights into restoring biodiversity, addressing historical extinctions, and collaborating with the local Nama community. Andreia explains the practical steps being taken, such as removing fences and reintroducing species like cheetahs, while weaving in her personal journey from primatology to conservation leadership. Nature's resilience and community involvement shine as key sources of hope.
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Migration Shapes The Land
- Historic records showed vast migrations and wildlife that once shaped soil, plant diversity and ecosystem processes.
- Recreating free movement and large herbivore impacts is essential to restoring this specific landscape's function.
Practical First Steps For Rewilding
- Secure large connected land in perpetuity and remove fences to allow animal movement as the first rewilding steps.
- Restore water points and native vegetation while monitoring before further interventions.
Early Reintroductions And Monitoring
- Partner reserves have already reintroduced species like mountain zebra, giraffe and ostrich to nearby lands.
- ORCA plans its first reintroductions (springbok and ostrich) with GPS collars to monitor movements.