Black Rhino Association of Namibia (BRAN) brings together key actors in rhino conservation, including Communal and Freehold Custodians, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism MEFT, and partners such as WWF, and Save the Rhino Trust Namibia. At its core, BRAN reflects a shared commitment to stronger coordination, collective responsibility, and sustainable conservation practices to secure the long-term survival of black rhinos in Namibia.

Namibia is home to just over 2,000 black rhinos, with approximately a third conserved outside of state-protected areas through the Black Rhino Custodianship Programme, a globally recognised model built on trust, stewardship, and long-term partnership with landholders. While this model has delivered strong population growth over decades, increasing pressures such as poaching, drought, and economic constraints are placing both rhinos and custodians at risk. This milestone comes at a critical time.

The association is committed to enhancing coordination, and supporting sustainable conservation practices to ensure the long-term survival of black rhinos in Namibia. Sector leaders including Piet Beytell National rhino coordinator (MEFT), Barry De Klerk (SCD), Lucy Chimes (Wildlife ACT) , Cornelis van der Waal, Markus Hofmeyr (Researcher, Ongava RC) , Annette Oelofse (BRAN Chair), and NNF’s Morgan Hauptfleisch, each reinforcing the importance of long-term, coordinated action.

We celebrate this progress as a reflection of what is possible when partners come together around a shared purpose.