Who is NNF?
The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) is Namibia's leading, conservation and sustainable development, non-governmental organisation (NGO), contributing to a wide range of programmes through our core technical specialisms and expertise in financial and project management. The NNF promotes sustainable development, the conservation of biological diversity and natural ecosystems, and the wise and ethical use of natural resources for the benefit of all Namibian's both present and future. The NNF envisages a sustainable Namibia both in terms of its people and the land upon which it develops. We value working together, professionalism, individual's worthiness, trust-given and received-, respect, enjoyment/fulfilment and the wonders of nature .
Vision
"An equitable, informed society living in harmony with natural and sustained, physically and mentally, by the natural richness of our environment"
Mission
"To promote sustainable delelopment, the conservation of biological diversity and natural ecosystems, and the wise and ethical use of natural resources for the benefit of all Namibian's both present and future"
Mandates
The NNF actively participates in key local, regional, national and global proccesses and contributes to environmental and sustainability solutions primarily within Namibia but also beyond our borders.
Objectives
The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) has adopted the following objectives, we will:
- Initiate, support and promote activities that conserve Namibia's environment, protect biological diversity and foster the sustainable and ethical use of natural resources
- Support and promote initiatives that strengthen Namibian institutions to better understand and manage natural resources
- Raise funds for conservation and environmental initiatives, in support of the mission statement
- Administer and manage funds for partners, donors, private sector, government, communities and project implementers
- Plan, develop, implement and manage selected projects and programmes, in support of the mission, with an emphasis on integrated, sustainable development
- Encourage and support sustainable community-based natural resource management initiatives
- Initiate and support activities that promote more effective and efficient use of resources, particularly where management of resources is devolved to the appropriate level and where local groups have identified good initiatives that could make a real difference
- Help strengthen natural resource institutions in ways that help them better understand and sustainably manage natural resources
- Cooperate and foster partnerships with other organisations - government, NGO, private sector, community and donor - to better promote sustainable development; and
- Raise awareness, promote and support environmental education and help build capacity in the fields of renewable natural resources and sustainable development
Our History
Our Board
The Director reports to the NNF Board of Trustees, which meets quarterly to approve the annual workplan and budget, and receive and review financial and technical reports.
The AGM receives the Chairman's report, the presentation of audited financial statements and elects office bearers.
Board of Trustees:
Mr M. Böttger
Ms R. Gomachas
Dr S. Heita
Mr M. Hill
Dr P. Lindeque (Vice Chair)
Mr A. G. Middleton (Director)
Dr R. Miller (Chair)
Mr A. Stier (Treasurer)
Mr K. Uiseb
Our Staff
NNF is made up of staff members committed to conservation. As a multi-disciplinary team, we bring creative solutions to environmental challenges and opportunities across Namibia.
The NNF has an affirmative action approach to staff employment.
Management
Angus Middleton
Executive Director | Management
Angus has over 15 years of senior management and organizational leadership in Africa and Europe. He brings a relevant mix of knowledge and technical experience in environmental economics, ecological resource management, agricultural management, and biodiversity policies. At NNF he provides overall leadership for the organization and also works directly on a number of projects, particularly in the field of environmental economics. He holds an MSc in Environmental and Policy from Imperial College London and a BSc in Ecological resource Management from Newcastle University. He has a great passion for the outdoors, a particular interest in raptors, and a love of fresh-water angling.
Angus is based at the Windhoek office.
Edla Kaveru
Director of Operations | Management
Edla, as the Director of Operations, is responsible for the day to day running of the organization, with a primary responsibility of providing leadership for the organization’s financial and operational functions. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce degree and has completed various management development programs. She has 20 years’ experience in financial management and corporate operations of which 10+ years have been in a leadership role. She was part of the team that successfully implemented the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia Compact between the years 2009 and 2015. Prior to joining the MCA team she worked as a financial management specialist on the World Bank-funded Project (ICEMA) and held several positions at the Namibia Nature Foundation between the years 1998-2005. She has a passion for the development sector in Namibia in general and a special interest in the improvement of livelihoods of rural Namibians through women empowerment.
Edla is based at the Windhoek office.
Frances Chase
Head of Projects | Management
Frances has recently joined the team as Head of Projects at the NNF, she has over 5 years of senior management experience and several years of project management experience. She joins us from the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), where she was Head of the National Herbarium of Namibia (WIND). Prior to that she worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK for 10 years as an Assistant Botanist and later a Botanist/Curator in Africa and Madagascar Regional Team. Her background is botany, mainly in herbarium management and plant taxonomy but also has a broad knowledge the plant ecology and plant conservation. She enjoys fieldwork and has worked in Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Namibia. She holds an MSc in Plant Diversity from Reading University and a degree in Environmental Science and Geography with honors in Physical Geography from Rhodes University. Frances has always had an interest in the environment and conservation and more recently a passion for plant conservation, environmental education, and alien plant awareness creation.
Frances is based at the Windhoek office.
For any info email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Projects
Britta Hackenberg
Director of Projects | Projects
Britta holds a Master’s in Sustainable Forestry and Land Use Management, a Degree in Land Use Planning, and has over 10 years of experience working in the field of land and natural resource management. Since 2005 she worked with Conservancies and Community Forests in Namibia on sustainable natural resource management in Katima Mulilo and later in the Otjozondjupa region. She was part of a team developing a community-based forest resource inventory system, facilitated communities to set up forest management plans and zonation plans themselves. One thing she is really passionate about is translating complex scientific systems into usable information that allows local communities to make informed decisions, using participatory approaches.
In 2010 Britta joined the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement and is known for her expertise in PRA tools and land use planning, she contributed to the methodology of the first Integrated Regional Land Use Plans in Namibia. She later coordinated the project Communal land registration and was part of a policy team that initiated some new regulations around the communal land reform.
Britta joined NNF in 2014 as Head of Projects, overseeing the implementation of all projects. Despite backstopping the technical projects, she is always happy to go to the field and do some work out there, like the integrated forest management plan for Muduva Nyangana Conservancy and Community Forest.
Britta is based at the Windhoek office.
Allen Jiji
Senior Regional Project Coordinator | Projects
Allen is based at the Rundu office..
Clemens Naomab
Senior Regional Project Coordinator | Projects
Clemens studied Environmental Biology and Molecular Physiological Biology at the University of Namibia. His main responsibility as Regional Project Coordinator is to provide Administrative, Logistical & Technical support to the targeted conservancies under various donor-funded CBNRM support projects in the South Kunene and Erongo Regions. Previously Clemens worked as an Albatross Task Force (ATF) project coordinator and was responsible for advancing policy changes in Namibian fisheries to bring Namibia in line with current best practices for avoiding or reducing seabird bycatch in fishing operations. He is passionate about rural woman empowerment and community development. Hobbies: Playing football and Nature walks.
Clemens is based at the Walvis Bay office.
Juliette Perche
Environmental Economist | Projects
Juliette has a background in economic policy and environmental economics. She has worked on various issues pertaining to climate change, resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development as a research assistant and a consultant in project design and evaluation. She holds an MSc in International Economic Policy from SciencesPo (France), and an MSc (honors) in Environmental Economics and Climate change from the London School of Economics. She is passionate about the complexity of combining biodiversity conservation and economic development and understanding what benefits people best in the long term. She is NNF's latest fellow from the Overseas Development Institute.
Juliette is based in the Windhoek office.
Mirja Stoldt
Technical Coordinator | Projects
Mirja holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from the Berlin School of Economics and Law (Germany) and the ESC Rennes School of Business (France) as well as a Master of Science in Integrated Natural Resource Management of the Humboldt University Berlin, where she specialized in land and water, as well as biodiversity and conservation management. She enjoys scientific research, field studies, and project-orientated work and loves to work with a vibrant team dedicating their energy towards the conservation of natural resources and the empowerment of people. Mirja joined the NNF as a trainee in January 2019 before becoming an Assistant Project Coordinator providing technical support to the director.
Mirja is based in the Windhoek office.
Nabot Mbeeli
CBNRM Coordinator | Projects
Nabot has a background in environmental education, community engagement, and research with communities in the south, particularly the Hardap region, and the central north regions of Namibia, working on environmental awareness, sustainability, and climate change adaptation. He joined NNF in July 2017 as an intern and worked his way up to become a Project Coordinator. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Environmental Biology and Geology from the University of Namibia (UNAM), and a Masters Degree in Natural Resources Management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). He is passionate about nature and enjoys working with the culturally rich and diverse communities of Namibia. He is responsible for CBNRM in the Omaheke region, supporting sustainable Devil's Claw harvesting in the region. He is also leading the NamPower - NNF Strategic Partnership. Nabot is based at the Windhoek office.
Nabot is based at the Windhoek office.
Samantha Matjila
Marine Coordinator | Projects
Samantha studied Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Namibia (2011) and completed her Masters in Animal Sciences (study on snoek (Thyrsites atun) quality) at Stellenbosch University (2015). She started working for the NNF in May 2016 as an Albatross Task Force (ATF) Instructor conducting at-sea activities by monitoring and collecting seabird bycatch data. Her work also included creating awareness to the fishing crew, school children, and the public on the importance of protecting and conserving seabirds and provide training to fisheries observers and inspectors. Samantha then moved to Albatross Task Force Coordinator in 2018 and has now moved to start taking on the Marine Coordinator role still working on ATF as well as a project on securing a management plan for the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area (NIMPA). Samantha is well versed in the operations and functioning of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and has been well exposed to international aspects of marine conservation.
Samantha is based at the Windhoek office.
Titus Shaanika
ATF Coordinator | Projects
Titus holds a Masters in Zoology. He previously worked as a consultant with the NNF and ATF in 2015. His current role with the ATF Namibia project started in February 2018. He is based in Walvis Bay as an ATF Instructor. His work entails monitoring seabird bycatch within the Namibian demersal hake trawl and longline fleet, testing, and demonstrating mitigation measures to reduce seabird bycatch with the fishing companies and fishery as a whole.
Titus is based at the Walvis Bay office.
Vasco Samwaka
Field Coordinator - WWF Conservation Agriculture | Projects
Vasco joined the NNF in 2015 as a field coordinator for the WWF Conservation Agriculture project. He has over 10 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture and community project management and implementation. Vasco also has knowledge of Indigenous Natural Products (INP), using Management Orientation Monitoring System (MOMS). He holds a certificate in Conservation Agriculture (CA) and a National Diploma in Lifelong Learning and Community Education with UNAM. His main responsibilities at the NNF is to coordinate conservation agriculture activities and report to the Director of Projects. He enjoys fishing and watching soccer.
He is based in Kongola, Zambezi Region
Inonge Mukumbuta Guillemin
Project Coordinator | Projects
Inonge Mukumbuta Guillemin recently joined NNF as a project coordinator. She holds an Honors Degree in Tourism Management from UNAM and a Master’s Degree in International Business and Marketing from Heriot-Watt University in Malaysia. Thanks to her dynamic and proactive and versatile nature, Inonge has acquired a range of diverse experiences in hospitality management, data analysis and, Geographic Information Science. Not to mention that she is also part-time lecturing Tourism Management, International Marketing at UNAM.
“My greatest interests revolve around conservation and community development. Joining NNF is a dream come true; that enables me to leverage my energy towards result-driven projects, that have a direct positive impact on natural resources and contribute towards poverty alleviation of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in rural areas.”
Inonge is based at the Windhoek Office
Mareike Voigts
Senior Technical Advisor | Projects
Mareike started her studies in Witzenhausen (University of Kassel) in 2007, during her studies she conducted a group-project of planning biodynamic cultivation of Vine, olives, and lavender on a farm near Bredarsdorp South Africa. Mareike holds an MSC in Sustainable International Agriculture (Universities of Kassel and Göttingen) where she received the Hans-H.-Ruthenberg Prize of the Fiat Panis Foundation. During her time at the University of Kassel, she worked for the German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture as a research assistant and in conference coordination. She started working for the certification body CERES as an evaluation officer and later country coordinator (Southern Africa and Tunisia) and inspector in June 2015. In January 2016 she and her family moved to the Farm Krumhuk in Namibia, where she started to get involved in farm management. Mareike has now taken over Project Management of the Knowledge Center for Organic Agriculture in Namibia, implemented by NNF.
Mareike Voigts is based at the Windhoek office.
Finance
Bia Kotze
Bookkeeper | Finance
Bia has over 30 years of experience in Procurement, Business administration, and Finance. She holds a Diploma in Marketing and Business Management and speaks three languages English, Afrikaans, and Portuguese.
Bia is based at the Windhoek office.
Christa Katjiruru
Finance Manager | Finance
Christa is a Btech Holder in Accounting and Finance. She joined the NNF team in April 2016 as a Senior accountant.
Christa is based at the Windhoek office.
Petrina Aitembu
Senior Project Accountant | Finance
Petrina joined the NNF as an intern Bookkeeper in April 2014. Before the NNF, she worked as a clerk in a bank for over a year. In 2016, Petrina was promoted to Project Accountant and then to Senior Project Accountant in 2017. As a Senior Project Accountant, Petrina is responsible for the financial management of major projects. She graduated from the University of Namibia in 2015 and is currently pursuing an advanced degree in Finance and Accounting. Outside of the office, Petrina enjoys traveling, reading novels, and experimenting with new culinary recipes.
Petrina is based at the Windhoek office.
Jolene Both
Finance Clerk | Finance
Jolene holds an Office Administration Certificate. She started her work at the NNF as an Intern to assist with Admin duties to the Finance Department. She interned as an Admin Assistant at a Construction company and her responsibilities included admin duties and Finance assistance. Jolene is currently pursuing a Business Administration Certificate.
Jolene is based at the Windhoek office.
Shirley Zamuee
Trainee Project Accountant | Finance
Shirley joined NNF as an Intern Finance Assistance June 2018. She worked as a Clerk at Sleepmasters 2019 for two months and started working as a Trainee accountant at NNF in February 2020. She graduated from Okakarara Vocational Training Centre in 2019 and holds a level 3 Office administration Certificate, Currently pursuing an advanced degree in Office Administration at the University of Namibia. I believe in hard work.
Shirley is based at the Windhoek office.
Friedrich Kambonde
Project Accountant | Finance
Friedrich joined the NNF on the 1st October 2020 as Project Accountant. Before the NNF, he worked at SADC Trade Related Facility Project under the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade where he held the position of Finance and Administration Officer. As Project Accountant, Friedrich is responsible for the financial management of projects. He is a graduate of the Polytechnic of Namibia where he obtained a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Accounting and Finance.
Friedrich is based at the Windhoek office.
For any info email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Administration
Jessica Nowotes
Office and HR Manager | Administration
Jessica Nowotes is a third-year student studying towards her Honours in Business Administration at the University of Namibia. She holds a Diploma in Business Administration. She joined NNF in 2017 as an Administrative Assistant. She likes photography and traveling and believes in hard work.
Jessica is based at the Windhoek office.
Ulrica Abrahams
Contracts and Compliance Manager | Operations
Ulrica Abrahams joined the NNF team in February 2018 as a Project Administrator. She has over 10 years of experience as an administrative professional. Her main responsibilities at the NNF are to assist with coordination and administration of NNF projects, project contracts compliance, and assist's with the management of NNF consultancies. She has a passion for project management, to meet project objectives, and see people’s lives transformed through projects. She holds a National Diploma in Commerce. In her free time, she is involved in social projects, focusing on women empowerment, and enjoys gardening.
Ulrica is based at the Windhoek office.
Disney Andreas
Communications Officer | Administration
Nelly Pack
Receptionist | Administration
Nelly is the face you see at the front desk at the NNF Windhoek office. She has 6 years of banking experience and worked as a consultant at one of Namibia's leading financial institutions. Her computer skills, attention to detail, and client retention make her administrative work around the NNF office flow smoothly. She enjoys traveling and meeting new people. She also enjoys off-road drives.
Nelly is based at the Windhoek office.
Tina Siririka
Cleaner | Administration
Tina joined the NNF in 2016 as a cleaner. She likes neatness, organizing, and loves planting.
Tina is based at the Windhoek office.
Jafet "Barney" Tjiramba
Driver | Administration
Barney describes himself as an "ontop-of-my-game" individual. He makes sure all the NNF vehicles are of top standard and ready to go out into the field. Barney enjoys off-road trips with his family and friends.
Barney is based at the Windhoek office.
For any info email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Interns
Sunnypo is an enthusiastic individual who holds an Honours Degree in Tourism Management (Heritage Studies) obtained from the University of Namibia. She is currently studying for her Masters of Marketing at the Namibia University of Science and technology. She is also a volunteer with the TOSCO (Tourism Supporting Conservation) Trust. Sunnypo has a huge passion for traveling to places dominated by nature and is an avid animal lover. She chose to further her studies in Marketing to integrate it with the field of tourism and to develop a broader knowledge horizon. Her goals and aspirations are directed towards knowledge growth, traveling, and engaging in constant research towards conservation especially in tourism. After completing the CLP program she hopes and strives to gain a greater insight into conservation; create a network of contacts with different stakeholders, and develop communication skills which she can match with her current qualification that she is pursuing.
Sunnypo is based at the Windhoek office.
