Namib Huib Plateau Park Namibia










		1 Introduction An area bordering the Diamond Sperrgebiet in the far southwestern corner of Namibia was used for decades as farmland, grazing at times thousands of livestock, mostly sheep and goats. The rainfall pattern in this area, though, is on average very low - less than 100 mm p.a. - and highly erratic. Although the farm units consist of between ten and twenty-five thousand hectares each, most if not all were not able to economically sustain their owners, and with an ever growing lack of management started to deteriorate accordingly. A wealth of natural resources like the extraordinarily high diversity and numbers of game (oryx, springbuck, ostrich, kudu and many more) that are characteristic for this area as well as for the Sperrgebiet, were decreased in due course, and by the 1980s the whole area was unable to economically sustain even the smallest families, not to mention communities living in prosperity. A group of visionary individuals initiated a project named Namib Huib Plateau Park . By purchasing abovementioned farms which will be incorporated into a legal and managerial entity that will ultimately function as a Park, this project has the capacity and potential to bring prosperity to this beautiful landscape, its wealth of natural resources and to its people. The development envisages a consolidation of a defined area (by now more than 170000 hectares) and management thereof in accordance with sound ecological principles, with a community oriented yet profit driven outlook and a farsighted socio-economical vision. The necessary legal and managerial structures are multifaceted, yet practicable. They are in the process to be formulated and registered, and will determine and regulate rights and limitations of all parties involved. The Project is in its early stages, but steps have been taken to initiate extensive development and to fulfill to the demands of a far reaching undertaking. The Namib Huib Plateau Park will ultimately include one or more lodges (including the already existing Bahnhof Hotel Aus ), camping sites and off-road tracks, a museum, a roadhouse and other facilities catering to tourists and visitors that are attracted to this exceptional landscape and its natural beauty and diversity. 2 Namib Huib Plateau Park (NHPP) – Project Legs 2.1.1 Main Lodge PROJECT: The core enterprise within the Namib Huib Plateau Park (NHPP) is a twenty-five bungalow accommodation establishment (the Main Lodge), catering for an up-market clientele. It will be allocated a prime location within the Park, with a unique view and taking into consideration the special climatic conditions and the immediate natural surrounding. In financial and logistical terms, the Lodge represents the engine and the heart of the Park. Accordingly, the Lodge in turn depends on the sound ecological development of the Park and will therefore yield to the demands and add to the protection of its natural environment. The Lodge is thus the underwriter of sustainable development of the Project as a whole. It will be designed to function relatively independent in an enclosed ‘universe' of high-end service, with, for example, ultimately its own agricultural and meat produce. Detail The currently preferred site is to the west of and 5 km off the main road from Rosh Pinah to Aus. It is slightly elevated on a mountain slope and protected from two directions against the prevailing winds, offering a scenic view without comparison in Namibia . Nearby areas are suited for the construction and maintenance of support structures to supply food, water, electricity and storage. Lodge buildings, restaurant, bar, kitchen, reception area, store, cool rooms, swimming pool and other recreation areas, staff accommodation, electricity- and water supply and sewage plant are designed and developed consequently in line with the natural image of the Park, following a modern and environment friendly approach. CURRENT STATUS: A draft Trust Deed and deftly crafted draft Partnership Agreements are currently in preparation and will be made available as from August 2006. They determine, inter alia, the economic relationship between Landowners, Trust and Lodge and leave room for negotiation with potential investors. The Trust will underwrite the long term sustainability of an ecological development of the natural substance at its base. Three potential sites have been identified, each with different parameters, advantages and - challenges. One important question requires to be still answered, namely that of land ownership of the ‘profit centre'. The demarcating of a confined enclave for the Lodge site is being considered. A crucial challenge is the involvement of the local community as a partner and beneficiary and the negotiation of a suitable arrangement with the local and central government to facilitate development of the project in concurrence with general government area orientated plans and aspirations. Standard agreements have been prepared and are currently tested with all Landowners – these agreements, regulating the relationship between the Trust, Landowners, and the Main Lodge, were drafted along the following parameters: -ecological preservation and development of the hinterland; SHORT TERM PRIORITIES The finalisation and signing of the above agreements are considered first priority and it is envisaged to present such documents to interested partners around October 2006. Interested parties will be heard before finalisation of the agreement between the Trust and the Landowners. Agreements between and amongst the landowners will be finalised up front. Discussions with regional and communal leaders and stakeholders have started and a report will be submitted to the interested parties in due time. All land issues, both political and legal will be presentable to interested parties in connection with the draft legal frame. Preparation and signing of the Trust Deed as well as development of Rules and Regulations governing the future Park and to be controlled by the Trust. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Feasibility Study for the Main Lodge. Business Plan for the Main Lodge. Final decision on a site for the Lodge and demarcation of the area. Development of a common (i.e. consolidated) marketing strategy for the Park, the Trust and its operations, the local and all participants. Formalisation of partnerships with the local community (mainly Aus and Bethanie). FINANCIAL NEEDS Consultancies N$ 100 000 Legal Framework N$ 50 000 (Demarcation of land / legal / other) Feasibility Study N$ 100 000 Lodge Construction N$ 21 million Support Structures N$ 5 million Vehicles & Equipment N$ 5 million Initial Marketing N$ 250 000 Reserves Working Capital N$ 2.2 million Needed for running and building Lodge on its own, based on agreement between owners and Park / Trust. Partnership based on participation. PARTNERSHIPS The potential investor takes full responsibility of this venture in partnership with the Trust and the Landowners. PHASE ONE Contracting / Design / Planning (February – May 07) PHASE TWO Construction of Lodge / Support Structures (September 07 – March 08) PHASE THREE Training / Marketing & Launch (January – June 08) 2.1.2 Camping and 4x4-Trail PROJECT: Establishment of up to three Camping sites and different off-road tracks along the eastern mountainous section of the NHPP. This has to be operated by private entrepreneurs in accordance with the NHPP guidelines and its ecological guidelines. CURRENT STATUS: Basic concept and business plan have been devised. 4x4-Track does exist partially. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES: Lying out of the whole track. Selection and establishment of three suitable Camping sites along the 4x4-Trail. MEDIUM TERM ACTION: Putting legal framework into place in respect of off-road activities; Devise agreements between land owners and operators; Put out tender for interested operators; FINANCIAL NEEDS: Establishment of 3 Camping sites along the 4x4-Trail N$ 50 000 PARTNERSHIPS: Marketing 2.1.3 Roadhouse PROJECT: Designing, erecting and running an Accommodation-and-Restaurant location within easy reach from the road Aus/Rosh Pinah on NHPP land. CURRENT STATUS: Two possible sites along the road have been identified. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Demarcation of the enclave site. Draw up the minimum requirements and a legal framework for the coordination with Park Management, Trust and Landowners. Advertise and trace possible partners. Get permission from Roads Construction Corporation for access to the main road. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Lock management activities and revenues of the Roadhouse into the Project entity and a Common Vision. FINANCIAL NEEDS Draw up Legal framework N$ 20 000 Enclave, Site, Infrastructure etc. N$ 50 000 PARTNERSHIPS Investors and Entrepreneurs Marketing 2.1.4 Namib-Huib-Geo-Centre (Museum) PROJECT: Development of a Museum and Research-Centre for the NHPP which is a predestined place for such an object: NHPP has very interesting geology, botany, zoology, palaeontology and archaeology and besides is one of the world's biodiversity hot spots. The Centre is important for a proper research and information about the area and will also be an additional magnet to the NHPP for tourists. The idea is to combine natural material of the area and modern technology to create a modern architecture and an attractive Centre. CURRENT STATUS A Site for the location of the Centre has been identified. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Demarcation of the exact site. Development of the basic needs for the Centre (Water etc.). Find partners for the development of the Centre. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Incorporate the Centre into the marketing of NHPP. Intensify research activities, collecting and mapping Erect and run a small restaurant and a curio-book shop in the Centre. FINANCIAL NEEDS Legal aspects N$ 20 000 Site preparation N$ 50 000 Water and other infrastructural development N$ 150 000 Restaurant and Shop N$ 200 000 PARTNERSHIPS Research Institutes Investors Management 2.1.5 Time Sharing Village PROJECT Establishment of a village of luxurious holiday bungalows for investors. This concept has to guarantee a high level of privacy and freedom, a sense of relaxation and security at the same time. The development of the Village has to be operated in accordance with the NHPP guidelines and all its ecological instructions. CURRENT STATUS A possible site for the Time Sharing Village has been selected to the east of the main road, on the mountain, in the vicinity to the roadhouse site. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Find a reliable water source near the Village-site. Develop a strategy and design a marketable concept for the Village. Engage an Architect and an advisor / consultant to formulate this concept. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Selling of 50% of the Houses before construction starts. This amount should cover construction costs. FINANCIAL NEEDS Legal framework N$ 20 000 Enclave N$ 50 000 PARTNERSHIPS Involvement of architect and consultant in the project with payment only when successful. “Development Team” 2.1.6 Optional: Hoodia Plantation PROJECT Development of a Hoodia plantation, and probably processing and marketing facilities in the NHPP area. CURRENT STATUS Different sites possible in the Park Abundant Hoodia plants grow naturally in the Park. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Demarcation of exact sites for the plantation. Devise a business plan. Put out tender for interested entrepreneur. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Incorporate the Hoodia Project into the Marketing of NHPP. Preparation of site, depending on agreement. Draw up a Cooperation Agreement between relevant parties. FINANCIAL NEEDS Legal contract and fees N$ 20 000 Design and Erection of Plantation N$ 150 000 PARTNERSHIPS Marketing / Distribution channels Private entrepreneurship 2.2 Bahnhof Hotel Aus PROJECT PHASE TWO Extension of the Bahnhof Hotel Aus which is the first profit centre for NHPP. Additional rooms and staff accommodation to cater for larger groups of visitors. CURRENT STATUS PHASE ONE is completed existing refurbished hotel with 13 rooms has opened July 2006. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Building of staff accommodation for larger staff contingent. Building of a manager flat on the Hotel site to be integrated in the structure for additional rooms. Organisation of day tours from Bahnhof Hotel Aus into the NHPP to generate cash flow and enhance the attraction to the area. MEDIUM TERM ACTIONS Train local people in hospitality and guiding. FINANCIAL NEEDS Loan or Partnership N$ 750 000 PARTNERSHIPS Training 3 Profiles and Structures 3.2.1 Legal A decent and well formulated legal framework is needed for governing, protecting and regulating the actions, interests and rewards of and for all stakeholders of NHPP. A legal document is in the process of being drafted, that foresees a structure with a non-profit organisation (a Trust) to manage the park area according to sound ecological principles, and that is maintaining its financial needs through, amongst other, revenue paid as royalties from income generating enterprises (the Profit Centres) in exchange for the protection and enhancement of the Park, its facilities and its scenery. The Profit Centres again will share profits on a nominal base with the original investors (the Landowners) in exchange for the right to use the land and its facilities for their operations. All three units will be protected and guided by mutual agreements that sustain a sound operating basis for all stakeholders and create beneficial synergies for a smooth and prosperous process. 3.2.2 Organisational and Management PROJECT The Trust (non-profit organisation) will be empowered with the management of the Park in accordance with sound ecological principles. It is planned to have five to seven trustees that represent the stake holding interests like nature conservation, sustainable development and defined private as well as public interest. This entity independently secures funding for its various functions, namely conservation and development of natural resources and the involvement of the local community as both benefactors and supporters on numerous levels. This organisation will also remain responsible for the maintenance of all facilities required to serve for e.g. the provision of water and supplies for animals, fences and roads (as far as these are required to manage and monitor). The Trust will further set up rules and regulations regarding tourism and sustainable usage of the Park and its facilities. It will negotiate, formulate and activate partnerships with other stakeholders and define its own monitoring parameters. CURRENT STATUS 11 neighbouring farms have been acquired by the current partners. Unmanaged free roaming wildlife area. Non-consolidated singular farms. Crude management plan. Minimal infrastructure (livestock fences in the process of being removed). Legal framework for trust and consolidation in progress. Unformulated relation to most neighbours (e.g. Sperrgebiet, Agricultural Land ). No functional management mandate. SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Formulate a holistic Vision for the NHPP. Draw up shareholder agreements to consolidate farms into manageable unit. Refine a management plan. Set up of the Trust and recruit trustees. Draw up functions and management framework for Trust. Put the Trust into function. Improve necessary infrastructure of the Park (waterholes, etc.). Demarcate enclaves for availability to Profit Centres. Formulate framework for interaction with Profit Centres and Landowners. Employ wardens on site. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Define coordination with Nature Conservation (Sperrgebiet) and other neighbouring areas. Further improvement of the infrastructure of the Park. Extend the management influence and outreach to bordering area. Set up of an office and enrol executive personnel for initial coordination and advertisement. FINANCIAL NEEDS Legal Costs once off N$ 50 000 Infrastructure once off N$ 100 000 as well as: N$ 50 000 p.a. Wardens (Remuneration, transport, housing) N$ 450 000 p.a. Enclaves (Demarcation, registration, infrastructure etc.) N$ 100 000 PARTNERSHIPS Financial Management Personnel 3.2.3 Marketing and Training PROJECT Create lively interest for the Namib-Huib-Plateau-Park in the Tourism Sector. Find and train suitable and effective staff for the fulfilment of services needed. CURRENT STATUS The Namib-Huib-Plateau-Park Website is in the process of being designed. A promotional movie of the area and NHPP is in production. Insert for South African TV Broadcasting programme 50/50 will be aired in due course. SHORT TERM PROPERTIES Develop and introduce a training programme for park wardens and guides. Design a marketing strategy to create interest among tourists and service providers. Plan accommodation for personnel. MEDIUM TERM ACTION Erect accommodation for personnel. Appoint and train staff as wardens and guides. Distribute information and service offers in the industry. FINANCIAL NEEDS Marketing N$ 150 000 Training N$ 50 000 PARTNERSHIPS Marketing agencies Training Providers Investors