Ecowings: Safeguarding Namibia’s Wildlife Through Aerial Surveillance
Ecowings: Safeguarding Namibia's Wildlife Through Aerial Surveillance
Between 17 December 2024 and 7 January 2025, a collective of key conservation partners undertook a vital initiative in Damaraland to combat wildlife crime and strengthen conservation efforts. Through the collaborative Ecowings Namibia initiative, Dr Conrad Brain managed this festive season operation. Dr Brain leads conservation projects supported by Wilderness in Namibia as a member of the Wilderness Impact team. This aerial surveillance project aimed to deter poaching activities during a critical period, protect Namibia’s unique biodiversity, and foster community awareness about conservation.
Operating from Palmwag Airfield, two aircraft – a Cessna 182 and a Piper Super Cub – flew a combined 60.8 hours, covering an impressive 12,800 kilometres. These flights, conducted at an average height of 200 feet above ground, provided invaluable observation and monitoring across vast and often inaccessible terrain. Fuel for the operation was generously supplied by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF).
Collaboration at the Heart of Conservation
The Ecowings Namibia initiative underscores the power of partnerships in conservation. The project brings together organisations such as the Namibia Chamber of Environment, Rooikat, Wilderness, Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), the Namibia Nature Foundation, Skycore, Medical Rescue Africa and Westair Aviation. Further supported by Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT), and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), among other private stakeholders, who contribute expertise and resources. This collective effort not only made the operation possible, but also reinforced the importance of a unified approach to protecting Namibia’s natural heritage.
Observing and Protecting
The primary aim of the aerial surveillance was to deter poaching by ensuring a visible presence in the skies. As Dr. Brain emphasised: “Even if we don’t see much from the air, everyone on the ground sees us”.
This visibility acts as a powerful deterrent, signalling that illegal activities such as poaching, illegal mining, or plant theft are being closely monitored. Flights were also instrumental in assisting SRT teams on the ground. When rangers found tracks but could not locate rhinos, the aircraft scouted vast areas to pinpoint the animals’ movements, enabling more effective ground-based monitoring.
In addition to observing wildlife, pilots and observers watched for signs of disturbance, carcasses, and shifts in animal movement patterns – all crucial indicators of potential threats to the ecosystem. Sensitive information, such as specific locations and sightings of rhinos, remains confidential to ensure the animals’ safety.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
Ecowings went beyond conservation, extending its impact to local communities. Dr Brain took children from surrounding villages on flights, giving them a rare and inspiring aerial view of their homeland. This fosters a deeper appreciation for conservation among the next generation. Additionally, in his veterinary surgeon capacity, he treated mules and donkeys used by SRT in their monitoring operations, demonstrating the programme’s holistic approach.
The operation also highlighted the critical role of local knowledge, with SRT’s Epson Rukuma providing invaluable expertise about the region’s terrain and wildlife. His contributions significantly enhanced the success of the mission.
Looking Ahead
The success of this festive season operation sets a strong precedent for future initiatives. Plans include introducing a pilot training component in partnership with Westair Aviation, enabling trainee pilots to gain experience in remote-area flight operations. This will further strengthen Namibia’s capacity to conduct conservation-focused aerial missions.
As the Ecowings initiative demonstrates, conservation is not just about protecting wildlife. It’s about creating partnerships, fostering community involvement, and building a sustainable future for both people and nature. Through continued collaboration and innovation, Namibia’s iconic wildlife and landscapes can remain a source of pride for generations to come.
Wilderness Impact: Pioneers of purpose
“As custodians of some of the world’s last true wild areas, we have a responsibility to act. For now, and for future generations”.
Wilderness co-supports initiatives such as Ecowings as part of its mission to conserve and restore Africa’s wilderness while making a lasting difference in the lives of local communities. By integrating conservation, community, culture, and commerce, Wilderness ensures that its operations directly benefit the environments and people connected to their destinations. Through collaborative programmes like Ecowings, Wilderness strengthens its commitment to safeguarding iconic wildlife and landscapes, fostering resilience in ecosystems, and creating sustainable livelihoods. This approach highlights Wilderness’s dedication to working together with other organisations and communities to protect nature and uplift people, ensuring that future generations can continue to thrive alongside Africa’s extraordinary wilderness.
For more information, contact Joryn Barnard at [email protected]
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