B&C Fellow - Joseph Goergen

Michigan State University - Fisheries and WHdlire, MSc - Projected to Graduate 2024
Project Title: Effects of Environment and Governance on Financial Sustainability of Communal Conservancies in Namibia

I graduated in Spring 2024 after completing my Masters thesis evaluating environmental and governance drivers of income from hunting and photographic tourism earned by communal conservanices in Namibia. I also served as Managing Editor for Conservation Frontlines during my graduate program at Michigan State University and previously worked as Conservation Manager for Safari Club International Foundation for many years where I funded and implemented research projects around the world, transformed an annual conference into a powerful network of conservation leaders across southern Africa, and represented the organization at a leadership level in international policy arenas. I am currently Head of International Policy and Advocacy for Jamma International, a non-profit foundation that supports human centered conservation. I received my BA from Tulane University in Environmental Studies, with minors in Environmental Science and Spanish. I am based in Washington, DC but from Wisconsin originally where I enjoy outdoor recreation and adventure travel.

Effects of Environment and Governance on Financial Sustainability of Communal Conservancies in Namibia

Ecosystem services from tourism and governace of communal institutions are critical to financial sustainability of community-based natural resource management. I evaluated effects of environmental factors and governance on incomes earned by communal conservancies in Namibia during 1998 - 2022 using accounting, wildlife monitoring, and performance indicator data. Hunting occured in more conservancies and generated initial income faster, but photographic tourism generated greater amounts of income. Large mammals are an important driver of income and both tourism industries can provide complementary benefits. Governance indicators were only about 50% of maximum scores, indicating higher income potential with improved performance. Conservancies also remained financially dependent on NGOs. I recommend Namibia's conservancies, particularly those established recently, with smaller area, or without an NGO, consider inter-conservancy wildlife co-management, collaborating with tourism industries, and prioritizing improved local governance to develop more sustainable community-based natural resource economies.