Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), through its Zambezi regional office, participated in the Durable Freshwater Protection (DFP) Workshop held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 19 to 20 May 2026. The workshop brought together representatives from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), government institutions, conservation organisations, river basin authorities, community-based natural resource management practitioners, and regional partners working across Southern and Central Africa.

The engagement focused on building a shared understanding of Durable Freshwater Protection and strengthening collaboration across important freshwater landscapes, particularly within the Greater KAZA region. Discussions explored how freshwater conservation can be better integrated with terrestrial conservation, community livelihoods, ecological connectivity, and climate resilience.

For NNF, the workshop created an important platform to exchange lessons and strengthen partnerships around sustainable freshwater management. Particular attention was given to community fisheries reserves and locally led conservation approaches that support biodiversity protection, food security, and sustainable livelihoods. Presentations from NNF and the Zambia Department of Fisheries highlighted the value of fisheries reserves in strengthening community stewardship while improving the long-term resilience of river systems.

NNF regional coordinator presenting on the techincal support NNF provides to community fisheries in the Zambezi region.

The KAZA landscape remains one of Africa’s most important freshwater systems. Rivers such as the Kavango, Kwando, Zambezi, and Chobe support biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and the wellbeing of people across the region. Protecting these ecosystems is therefore not only critical for conservation, but also for sustaining livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The workshop further emphasised the importance of working through strong partnerships that place communities at the centre of conservation efforts. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) were recognised as key partners in advancing durable and inclusive freshwater protection across shared landscapes.

In line with NNF’s commitment to community-centred conservation, the engagement reinforced the importance of collaborative, long-term approaches that benefit both people and nature.