Framework and Guidelines for Development of Park Management Plans.

The Framework and Guidelines for Development of Park Management Plans (2021) outlines the objectives, guidelines, and procedures for the management and development of state-protected areas in Namibia. The document emphasizes the importance of park management plans as central guiding documents for the Ministry's staff and stakeholders, ensuring that all actions and decisions related to a park align with the established policies and intentions. The objectives identified by the Framework for Park Management Plans are: 1) To document all relevant information, including historical, biodiversity, archaeological and social context which is relevant for a park. 2) To describe the general characteristics of the ecosystems contained within the parks, as well as the regional biodiversity context within which the parks are located. 3) To guide staff and stakeholders of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism on how a specific park should be developed and managed. 4) To assist the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in setting priorities during planning. 5) To form part of a monitoring and evaluation system that provides the basis for determining whether goals, objectives and strategies specified in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Strategic Plan and National Development Plans are achieved. 6) To ensure that parks contribute to sustainable utilization of natural resources and socio economic development.
The park management plan serves as the ultimate authority for managing parks, detailing the necessary steps for maintaining and rehabilitating habitats, managing wildlife populations, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts. It also includes provisions for fire management, rehabilitation of degraded areas, and the management of artificial water points and domestic animals. The plan outlines strategies for law enforcement, environmental impact assessments, and the sustainable utilization of natural resources within the parks. The document further highlights the importance of regional conservation efforts, transfrontier conservation, and the engagement of park neighbors and resident communities. It underscores the role of private partnerships and environmental education in achieving the objectives of park management. The plan also addresses the need for proper infrastructure development, including access roads, buildings, tourism infrastructure, and waste management systems.