Celebrating Service and Growth: Alton Tsowaseb
Alton Tsowaseb grew up in the Erongo region of Namibia, where he developed a deep passion for nature and conservation. Over the years, he gathered a wealth of experience from the fields of environmental education and community conservation. Alton joined ORKCA in April 2023 as the Community Programmes Officer, eager to bring his skills to a new and dynamic organisation.
Key Milestones
A big part of Alton’s work was spent connecting with the Warmbad community, the //Gamaseb conservancy, and traditional leaders within the community. By engaging the community, he helped identify key needs and solutions that would support sustainable growth. He documented key details, from conducting field surveys on wildlife management practices to organising engaging programmes for community members. One of his favourite programmes he was involved in curating was the anti-poaching training programme. This training was set up to equip the local //Gamaseb game guards with the knowledge needed for conservation and wildlife protection.
‘‘I felt I was more than just their supporter. Being a part of their lives truly allowed me to understand their challenges. I feel their joy and sorrow as my own. Their journey is my journey,’’ Alton shared.
Memorable Moments
Looking back, a moment that stood out to him was the exposure trip through Damaraland with the //Gamaseb Conservancy. This trip offered the participants a great opportunity to learn from other conservancies, share ideas, and observe practical examples of sustainable practices that the team could bring back and apply to their conservancy.
“I could feel the excitement and energy in the group,” Alton recalled. “They were not just eager to learn; they were ready to apply what they had learned and make a real change.”
Reflecting On Growth and Future Leadership
Alton’s time at ORKCA proved to be a meaningful opportunity for growth and learning. This pushed him to grow in leadership and adapt to the shifting needs of the communities. As he gradually took up more responsibility, he was always on the lookout for opportunities that would make a positive impact on the surrounding communities. The relationships he built and lessons learned will continue to shape both the communities and the future of ORKCA.
Earlier this year, Alton concluded his time with ORKCA to pursue a Master’s in Natural Resource Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A new chapter that reflects his dedication to learning and his commitment to serving communities. While we deeply miss his presence and contributions at ORKCA, we are so excited to see the impact he will continue to make.
“What I will miss most about ORKCA is not just the projects. It’s the team, the laughter, the shared purpose, and the trust that I will carry with me long after I leave. Looking ahead, I hope ORKCA continues to grow through strong partnerships and innovative approaches that create an environment for communities to benefit. I have seen the difference ORKCA can make, and I believe the best is still ahead,” Alton shared.
