WINDHOEK, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The International public-private fund, Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF), will provide a one-million-U.S. dollar grant annually over 50 years to boost a conservation area in northwestern Namibia, according to a statement released on Monday.

The Skeleton Coast-Etosha site in the Kunene Region is a conservation bridge that passes through several conserved areas and connects two national parks and embraces the first "People's Park" -- a new conservation category that expands the formalization of community conservation.

The region is renowned for its unique biodiversity, and exceptionally high variety of species, and is home to 14 local communal conservancies.

Implemented through LLF's partners, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Namibia's Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), the grant aims to strengthen conservation efforts, including protection of key vulnerable fauna such as the black rhino, lion, and giraffe, among a multitude of less conspicuous endemic species.

In a statement, Stefanie Lang, LLF executive director, expressed pride in signing the first-ever perpetual grant with WWF and IRDNC. The enduring funding commitment, coupled with robust governance of local rights-holders, is set to make a lasting impact on the conservation landscape, she added.

MEFT Executive Director Teofilus Nghitila, in support of the unique partnership, emphasized the shared vision of local communities and the government to protect and conserve the spectacular land and its rich biodiversity.

"We as Namibians are deservedly proud of our conservation record. Forty-five percent of the land in our country is under conservation management, including national parks, protected areas, and communal conservancies for which Namibia has been a global pioneer," he added.

The Skeleton Coast-Etosha landscape was selected following LLF's first open call for proposals in early 2022.

The WWF and IRDNC, meanwhile, will work closely with local partners, rural communities, and conservancies to ensure the successful implementation of conservation initiatives in the region.

LLF is an international public-private fund that was established as an independent charitable foundation in 2020 to support nature, people, and climate by closing the global biodiversity financing gap. Enditem

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