Fifteen civil-society organizations in Namibia received N$1.2 million in grants to strengthen local rights and advocacy around land, wildlife and natural-resource management.
The grants were awarded in Windhoek under an initiative run by Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation with the Namibia Development Trust, with support from the European Union.
The groups plan to work on issues including mining, forestry, green hydrogen and wildlife management, while creating more ways for women and young people to take part in local decisions.
Community leaders told The Namibian that people need a voice in choices affecting their land, water, livelihoods and cultural heritage. The grants are intended to help organizations ask questions and encourage government and industry to meet public standards.
