In 1993, with support from USAID and the World Wildlife Fund, new legislation allowed communities the rights over wildlife provided that community members could meet the standards to register as a conservancy (a type of community-based management institution). Once a conservancy was established, the community received assistance in adopting effective game management practices, negotiating with the private sector, and benefiting from tourism revenues.

As a result, wildlife numbers have increased significantly, and many communities derive income from handicraft sales, trophy hunting contracts, and game meat distribution. Over 80 communal area conservancies either now exist or are in various stages of formation. Wildlife tourism continues to be a central means to diversify the country’s economy, and has become Namibia’s third highest contributor to GDP.