Namibi–huh?

What’s an underrated country or city that deserves more attention?

I may be a little biased, but I feel that Namibia of South Africa deserves more attention. I’ve never been. I would love to go someday, so the reason that I’m biased is because Namibia is where the Cheetah Conservation Fund is located.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is an organization that is dedicated to saving the cheetah species. They do this through several different programs. Scat Detection Dogs, Bushblock, Livestock Guarding Dogs, research and education and more. They work with the government to protect Conservancies–plots of land owned by people who are committed to manage wildlife responsibly on that land. These conservancies give the people a sense of pride in conversation. The ownership allows for more interest in protecting it.

Not only does the CCF focus on cheetah conservation, but they focus on community development as well. Animal species can’t be saved if the people that live around them are ignorant. They teach income expansion to communities through their Model Farm, a farm that promotes conservation alongside responsible agriculture. They even let local artisans create jewelry and art pieces for their gift shop. The CCF has even become a bit of a tourist attraction with its safari’s and allowing for outsiders to come volunteer. We all know that tourists are good for a country.

When I talk about the CCF to anyone, most of the people I talk to have never heard of Namibia. You, reading this right now, may have never heard of it either. It’s a small country on the other side of world–compared to where I live. And, though they’re small, they make a big impact in conservation. I’m rooting for them.

If you want to learn more about the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Check out their website: http://www.cheetah.org