Windhoek, Namibia – May 28, 2024 | Wild Africa Fund, an organisation dedicated to popularising wildlife conservation across Africa, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with OneAfrica in Namibia. This collaboration, officially launching on May 30th 2024, has already commenced with the broadcast of ‘Music for Wildlife’ concerts from Saturday 25 May 2024.
This multifaceted partnership spans both television and radio, leveraging the extensive reach and influence of One Africa to amplify Wild Africa Fund’s conservation efforts. Since 1970, Africa has experienced a dramatic decline in its wildlife populations, losing nearly two-thirds of its animal species. This alarming reduction is primarily attributed to poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. The rapid growth of human populations and expansion of agricultural activities have significantly encroached on natural habitats, exacerbating the pressure on wildlife.
Namibia, known for its rich biodiversity and expansive landscapes, faces its own set of conservation challenges. Despite being a leader in community-based conservation efforts, the country continues to battle poaching, particularly of rhinoceroses and elephants. In recent years, poaching has surged, driven by the lucrative illegal trade in rhino horn and elephant ivory.
Additionally, habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development and agricultural expansion poses a significant threat to Namibia’s wildlife. Species such as cheetahs, leopards, and lions are increasingly coming into conflict with human populations as their natural habitats shrink. This not only endangers the animals but also impacts the livelihoods of local communities.
Water scarcity is another critical issue, with prolonged droughts affecting both wildlife and human settlements. As water sources dwindle, competition for this vital resource intensifies, leading to further strain on Namibia’s ecosystems.
Efforts to combat these challenges include strengthening anti-poaching measures, promoting sustainable land use practices, and enhancing community involvement in conservation initiatives. Namibia’s commitment to wildlife protection is evident in its numerous national parks and conservancies, which cover nearly 42% of the country’s land area. However, continued support and innovative solutions are essential to ensure the survival of its unique
wildlife heritage for future generations.
Key Initiatives of the Partnership:
- Music for Wildlife Concerts: A series of concerts broadcasted every Thursdays @ 20h30 to raise awareness and engage the public in wildlife conservation efforts. These concerts aim to inspire collective action and support for wildlife protection. Some of the Namibian artists featured include , but are not limited to, Chikune, Lioness, Jericho, Banger Drums, DJ Alba, and KP Illest.
- Dr. Marks Animal Show, a new wildlife TV series designed for children, is Inspiring the next generation to protect their natural heritage, kids can learn about iconic wild animals, their habitats, and the important roles they play in ecosystems.
Each episode of the magazine-style show also features shorts on African conservationists and public service messages from some of Africa’s best-known icons, such as Davido, Emanuella, Laycon, and Music for Wildlife ambassadors including Focalistic, Nviiri The Storyteller, and Shekhinah. Quizzes are embedded in each episode, along with opportunities for children in the audience to ask Dr. Mark questions.
Over 24 minutes, each episode delves into a particular species of animal, its characteristics, conservation status, the threats it faces, and what the audience can do to support local conservation efforts. The show’s first season will profile animals such as pangolins, parrots, lions, turtles, snakes, cheetahs and leopards, chimpanzees and gorillas, rhinos, elephants, and crocodiles. - Support for Local Wildlife Programs such as PSA’s: PSA’s include Waters, Top Cheri, KBoz, Ethnix, DJ Alba and Chikune.
- Unsung Heroes: Celebrating local conservation leaders across Africa, and highlighting their work, this documentary series is shared across our platforms and network.
“We are honoured to partner with OneAfrica in our mission to protect Africa’s wildlife and promote conservation. This collaboration allows us to reach hundreds of thousands with our message and engage communities in meaningful conservation efforts,” said Peter, Executive Director of Wild Africa Fund.“As a community TV channel, OneAfrica is dedicated to supporting content creators who strive to make a difference across and proud support Wild Africa Fund’s vital work. By broadcasting the Music for Wildlife shows and other impactful campaigns, we aim to raise awareness and drive action towards wildlife conservation and sustainable development,” stated Zellmari Brandt GM – Marketing of Future Media Namibia.
About Wild Africa Fund
Wild Africa Fund aims to be Africa’s most effective conservation communicator, inspiring public support and political will to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces forever. We believe people and wildlife can only survive and thrive together, so we are popularising conservation with a much broader audience than has previously been engaged. By amplifying the voices of African opinion leaders from every field through a powerful network of media partners and diverse programming, we seek to promote domestic wildlife tourism, local conservation projects, and the passage and enforcement of effective conservation laws. Through our communications and direct support, we also aim to deliver permanent reductions in wildlife crime, the demand for illegal bushmeat, human/wildlife conflict, and habitat loss.
About OneAfrica
OneAfrica is Namibia’s leading free-to-air community television network, dedicated to providing high-quality, locally relevant content. With a wide range of programming that includes news, entertainment, and educational shows, OneAfrica is committed to informing, educating, and entertaining its diverse audience.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Caillin Basson
Namibia Representative
caillin@wildafricafund.org
+264 81 3772900
For One Africa Television:
Zellmari Brandt
GM Marketing
zellmari@futuremedia.com.na
+264 61 383 450
For more information about the partnership and upcoming initiatives, please visit https://wildafricafund.org/ and https://oneafrica.tv/