ORKCA in Action with the Support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative
As part of ORKCA’s ongoing conservation efforts, an exciting field operation was held from 1-5 September 2025 on ORKCA. This included a small-scale wildlife release and the filming of a short film for the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative- a global initiative launched in 2019 supporting projects in the fields of land preservation, ocean conservation and science, health and technology – to highlight the work of ORKCA .
This initiative brought together ORKCA, local community members, the Orange River Queens (a Nama cultural group), the //Gamaseb Conservancy’s management and game guards, as well as ORKCA’s Advisory Council – hosted by Sandfontein Lodge.
Wildlife Release
During the initiative, the ORKCA team undertook quite the operation by releasing 30 animals back into the wild plains of Southern Namibia: ten oryx, ten springbok, and ten ostriches. To support ongoing research, two females of each species were fitted with GPS collars to monitor their movement.
Marius Davids, //Gamaseb conservancy community game guard, shared, “The wildlife release really stood out. It was my first time seeing something like that up close, and honestly, it was beautiful and hopeful. You could tell every step was done with care for the animals. Moments like that remind me why protecting this land means everything to us.”
This tracking data helps ORKCA understand how the animals move across the landscape, while also feeding into the rewilding credit system- a financial tool that rewards conservation projects and communities for restoring nature through rewilding efforts.
Sarah, research coordinator, shared, “GPS tracking shows us how animals respond as nature recovers. When they return to previously impacted areas or roam more freely, it is a clear sign that rewilding is working. These movements provide tangible evidence of biodiversity recovery, showing that the landscape is becoming more suitable for wildlife.’’
Watch Rolex’s documentary ORKCA – Rewilding a Desert for a behind-the-scenes look at this week’s operation.
A Community-Centered Approach
As part of the initiative, ORKCA invited the Orange River Queens, a group of women from the community to share traditional songs and dances. Their performances were more than entertainment- they carried centuries of cultural heritage, reflecting the deep connection the Nama have with the land. By including the Queens, the event honoured not only conservation efforts but also the living traditions that root communities to the Karoo, celebrating the bond between people and nature across generations.
“The Nama community’s traditional music and dance are living histories. From the powerful, uplifting songs that are sung in KhoeKhoegowab like ‘ǀGâi tsî hâ hâ’ (be strong, keep going) that carry messages of love, strength, and spiritual connection, to the Namastap dance that blends playfulness with deep respect for tradition. The dances… teach the younger generation about respect and togetherness… Through the rhythms and movements, the Nama communities keep their culture alive…”
Lizle, Orange River Queens member.
Looking Ahead
On the final day, the ORKCA team planted indigenous trees along the Orange River, closing a week of shared progress and marking the start of future conservation work
ORKCA’s work over these five days is just one piece of a much larger effort to care for the land and the communities that depend on it. Thanks to the support from the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, this project brought together many invaluable partners, joining forces to carry forward ORKCA’s vision and mission.
It reminds us that real change happens when people come together with a shared vision.
“As an advisory council member, being part of these events gives us the chance to offer real input based on what we see happening on the ground. The ORKCA team, alongside the local Nama communities, is doing incredible work, not only protecting wildlife and plants but restoring the land. It gives me hope to see that kind of care and commitment. It shows me what is possible when people and nature are working together,” Yvonne shared.
Whether big or small, your support for the ‘Biodiversity Credit Initiative’ makes an impact. To donate, find the link here and to learn more or get involved, please email andreia@orkca.org.
Photography: © Rolex / James Kydd