ORKCA (Orange River-Karoo Conservation Area)

A Landscape Bejeweled in Pink At ORKCA HQ, the land is generously scattered with rose quartz- creating a canvas of pink hues. The soft pink tones shift with the changing light- most noticeably at sunrise and sunset. It's a subtle reminder of the Earth's capacity for beauty. Namibian rose quartz is more than just visually striking. Its formation deep within the Earth have interested both scientists and mineral enthusiasts for generations. #NamibianRoseQuartz #GeologicalWonders #ORKCA

Welcome to these two amazing women who have joined the ORKCA team. We are growing and it's incredible to see our efforts expand with the efforts from our devoted team. Meet Maggie and Maria, the newest additions to our dedicated crew. Maggie is the ORKCA Administrator, and Maria- The Head of Finance. We are thrilled to have these talented individuals on board and can't wait to see the positive impact they'll make. #ConservationHeroes #Rewilding #SaveNature #EcoWarriors #MakeADifference #ORKCA #ORKCAtales

Exciting update from our Community Program Coordinator, Alton. Two weeks ago, Alton conducted annual game counts with Southern communal conservancies. These efforts are crucial for sustainable wildlife management in Namibia. We’re thrilled to kick off the annual wildlife monitoring program in communal conservancies and National Parks, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, ORKCA, the Namibian Development Trust, and local communities. This initiative helps us gather vital data on wildlife populations and habitats, ensuring informed conservation strategies. Engaging with local communities is key to conservation. The involvement of communities fosters a stakeholder relationship in conservation efforts. Together, we’re building a future where wildlife thrives and communities benefit. Join us on this incredible journey. #Conservation #WildlifeMonitoring #SustainableFuture #ORKCA

May's Camera Trap Highlights May was a wonderful month for wildlife sightings. Our cameras captured some epic moments in the wild. First up, have a look at these beautiful shots of a mama leopard with her adorable cub. We were thrilled to see these ones come through. Next, we had some sightings of other little creatures on Kum-Kum: - A curious black-backed jackal - A majestic martial eagle spreading its wings in full glory - And a glimpse of a brown hyena! These animals don't often make an appearance on our camera traps, so it's a treat to see them. Thank you for coming out to play and showing yourselves. Stay tuned for more wildlife wonders! #WildlifeConservation #CameraTrapMagic #WildlifeSightings #ORKCA

We're excited to share some updates regarding the recent visit from Lucy and Molly- NATURAL STATE. Last week marked a significant step forward with the completion of our survey design, aimed at measuring changes in biodiversity through the BioCredit Project. Our innovative survey incorporates devices to capture the sounds of wildlife, providing crucial data to quantify biodiversity changes over time. This recently crafted design will assist us in being able to monitor and preserve the natural state of our ecosystem more effectively. It was Natural States' first-ever visit to ORKCA. This visit was valuable for the Natural State team to gain a deeper understanding of our local ecology. Their insights and expertise are helping us refine our approaches and enhance our conservation efforts. Special thanks to Lorentha, our BioCredit Project coordinator for her critical role in finalizing our survey designs. Her expertise has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. As we continue our efforts, please stay tuned for more updates. Our collaboration with NATURAL STATE is paving a way for innovative conservation strategies that benefit both our local and global communities. #Conservation #Biodiversity #WildlifeMonitoring #NaturalState #BioCredit #ORKCA

Exciting Site Visit. We are thrilled to welcome Lucy and Molly from NATURAL STATE to ORKCA HQ. Lucy and Molly are here for a site visit in connection with our Biocredit Project. Lucy, a conservation scientist, and Molly, the director of restoration programs, are eager to deepen their understanding of the landscape. Together, we're discussing optimal monitoring locations and the best methodologies to use. We are grateful for our partnership with Natural State. Their dedication to protecting and restoring natural habitats is inspiring. Natural State focuses on innovative conservation techniques and community-driven restoration projects to create lasting environmental impact. Together, we aim to enhance biodiversity and preserve the beauty of our natural world for future generations. Follow us for further updates on our collaborative efforts to preserve and restore our natural environment. #Conservation #Restoration #RolexProject #NaturalState #ORKCA

After the long-awaited rains, we've noticed a surge in animal activity around one of our natural water points here on ORKCA HQ. To capture this, our dedicated team set up a camera trap. We are patiently awaiting the images from this spot. Our team has been spending more time in the field, closely observing the shifts and changes in the environment. Every new sighting and footprint tells a story of renewal and hope. The rains have truly been a blessing, revitalizing the land and bringing life back to these precious ecosystems. Every moment in the field reinforces our commitment to conserving these natural habitats. #WildlifeConservation #NatureRevival #Fieldwork #ORKCA

Positionality and Reflexivity. As a conservation organization in the landscapes of Southern Namibia, we recognize the deep importance of understanding our positionality and practicing reflexivity in our work. In a region rich with history, culture, and intricate relationships with the land, it is imperative that we navigate this role with sensitivity and awareness. In the canvas of Southern Namibia, where our silhouettes blend with the contours of the land, we are reminded daily of the interconnectedness between our actions and the community. Through partnerships with local entities such as the Nama Traditional Leaders Association and our dedicated board members, we aim to build a type of collaboration that honors the voices and traditions of those who call this land home. Our journey is one of continual learning and growth, characterized by a commitment to engaging with local stakeholders in meaningful ways. From community members to farmers to esteemed community leaders, each perspective enriches our understanding and informs our approach to conservation. Being reflexive, open-minded, and introspective about our position as an NGO is not only necessary but a fundamental aspect of ethical engagement. We welcome suggestions and dialogue from all. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or via email to share your thoughts and insights. Thank you for following our journey- join us along the way. #CommunityEngagement #StakeholderEngagement #NPO #ORKCA

Exploring Some of Namibia's Wildlife: Fun Facts Edition Oryx: Did you know the oryx, also known as the gemsbok, can survive for long periods without water by raising its body temperature to reduce water loss? Its long, straight horns are not just for show but also serve as weapons against predators. Talk about a true survivor of the desert. Zebras: While zebras might all look alike at first glance, did you know each zebra has a unique pattern of stripes, much like our fingerprints? These stripes also act as a natural insect repellent, keeping bugs at bay while they graze. Ostrich: Standing tall as the world's largest bird, the ostrich is a fascinating creature. It can sprint at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph), and it lays the largest eggs of any bird species. Plus, those long, powerful legs? Perfect for defending against predators or just taking an afternoon stroll. Springbok: Known for their graceful leaps, springboks can survive without drinking water for long periods by obtaining moisture from the vegetation they consume. Plus their distinctive behaviour where they leap into the air with arched backs, is a joy to witness and it also serves as a way to display dominance or evade predators. Namibia's wildlife never fails to impress. #NamibianWildlife #Conservation #ORKCA

The Beauty of Hartebeest: A Rare Gem at Kum Kum We recently stumbled upon an image of a lone hartebeest captured by our camera trap! We used to have about 50, but with the drought, we thought we lost all of them. We didn’t realize this visitor was here. These graceful antelopes, with their distinctive horns and elegant stature, have become a rare sighting in our neck of the woods. So, spotting one on camera was thrilling. Hartebeests are grazers- shaping landscapes and maintaining balance. Their presence is a sign of a healthy habitat. What captivates our team is their quiet beauty and gentle presence. There's something enchanting about watching them roam- a reminder of the magic of Africa's untamed wilderness. Our encounter with the hartebeest is a gentle nudge to appreciate the simple wonders of nature and the importance of protecting our precious wildlife. #Biodiversity #NamibianWildlife #ORKCA