Our Projects
ORKCA supports socio-economic development for the region and its people, and the securing of important conservation areas to contribute to the landscape’s ecological connectivity and sustainability.
Learn more about ORKCA’s projects below.
Local School Improvements
We are partnering with traditional leaders and educators in Warmbad, Southern Namibia, to enhance Michel Durocher Primary School’s learning environment. We’re raising $24,258.16 to furnish two classrooms, complete the principal’s office, upgrade IT resources, and provide essential school equipment. Your support will expand access to education and strengthen community pride.
Medical Clinic Upgrades
We are partnering with Karasburg Hospital and Warmbad Clinic to build a dedicated HIV/AIDS and TB treatment room, addressing urgent healthcare needs in one of Namibia’s most remote villages. This project will enhance patient care. We’re seeking USD$42 736.49 to equip the room and improve healthcare access.
Youth Training & Empowerment
ORKCA is partnering with //Gamaseb Conservancy to empower two youth champions through internships, soft skills courses, and financial management training. This project will strengthen leadership, improve governance, and enhance communication within the conservancy. We seek USD$15 683 to invest in these young future leaders.
Ecotourism
We are developing low-impact tourism facilities and experiences that will make the Nama-!Garib Geopark accessible to visitors while creating opportunities for local employment and enterprise. Planned initiatives include a multi-day hiking trail, a geotrail and a tented community camp, designed to promote responsible tourism and enable visitors to experience the landscape and its cultural heritage.
We are seeking US$ 100,000 to invest in eco-friendly tourism infrastructure and facilities that will support local livelihoods while providing a sustainable foundation for nature- and culture-based tourism.
Nama-!Garib Geopark
The Nama-!Garib Geopark celebrates one of Southern Africa’s most unique landscapes, where the Orange River, ancient geology, Nama culture, biodiversity and living heritage come together in a place of global significance. ORKCA initiated and is driving the Geopark initiative, has mapped and documented 34 geological and cultural sites, undertaken extensive community and stakeholder consultations, and submitted the official UNESCO application.
We are seeking US$ 75,000 to develop educational materials and interpretation for visitors and school learners, and to build the capacity of local communities and partners to participate in Geopark governance and stewardship.
Community-Owned Garden
ORKCA is supporting the //Gamaseb Conservancy in establishing a vegetable garden enterprise focused on seasonal crops like tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and cabbages, enhancing food security, job creation, and sustainable income. This project will strengthen local markets by supplying fresh produce and positioning the conservancy as a registered producer with the Namibian Agronomic Board. We seek NAD$ 78,118.62 to launch this initiative, ensuring economic growth and resilience for the //Gamaseb Conservancy.
Community and Staff Exposure Trips
ORKCA is situated in a very remote part of Southern Namibia, the team can benefit from being exposed to other projects worldwide. If you would like to support this endeavour please look at past exposure trips the team have been sent on.
- Kenya Northern Rangelands Trust
- Rwanda – African Parks
- Richtersveld National Park
Operations
Our annual operational budget is USD 600,000 per year, if you would like to contribute towards these costs – it’ll go towards supporting salaries of management and field staff that are working hard in harsh conditions to ensure the project’s success.
Operations Headquarters
ORKCA needs a field office in Karasburg town, this would contribute towards the rent and maintenance.
Biodiversity Credit Initiative
Rolex Perpetual Planet is funding our team to do research on the viability of biodviersity credits. If you would like to strategically partner with us on this project please contact Lorentha@orkca.org to find out more and if you would like to donate to this research project we would use the funding to collect data.
Tourism Development Plan
We have plans to develop light touch sustainable tourism on the landscape. We would love to build a few ventures, please get in touch if you are interested to hear more.