By Tsukhoe M. //Garoes and Beauty Jiji

On Behalf of the Team

as a chief conservancy governance tool: The Doro !Nawas Case

“Constitution” -

Background

Located on Kunene region, NW of Khorixas Doro-!Nawas was gazetted during Dec. 1999

Covers an area of 4,073 square kilometers

About 430 members are registered

Issues and challenges that existed Intervention to amend the constitution

started on the request by the conservancy.

Conflict started between members, calling MET to intervene. To mediate the process - thus assist in identifying potential solutions. Root causes / issues: Resource use or sharing Boundary Joint venture lodge Relationships

Outcomes of Conflict Management Process

The process identify three key areas to be address to managed and monitor the conflict:

1. Financial accountability and monitoring

2. Gaps in constitution and constitutional awareness

3. Trainings and mentorship to built leadership and participation at committee and community level

Gaps in Constitution

Few highlights:

Conservancy management structure (executive committee used, but not in existence)

Financial management (signatory powers to couple)

AGM (procedures not clearly stipulated)

Incompatibility of constitution with Law and regulations on same aspects

The Process of Constitution Amendment

Preparatory Meetings at MET and Conservancy Office

Awareness and Gap Identification in areas – 5 day Synthesis of identified gaps Constitution Formulation Process – 7days Report production Draft Report Feedback and clarification of

proposals – 4 days Draft constitution and LAC input Presentation of Draft Constitution to CC by team

with lawyer – 1 day

Process Continued Finalization of constitution Translation of constitution Adoption of New Constitution by Members at

EAGM Finalise some of the Policies and Procedures Training for staff and CC on use of

constitution , policies and procedures. Members education and awareness on new

constitution and procedures.

Who was Involved?Team composed of the following: Conservancy Committee and Constitution Amendment

Subcommittee Conservancy Members TAs and RCs MET RISE WWF ICEMA Line Ministries Stakeholders

Products

Participatory Constitution Formulation User Guide

Reports on the processes Revised Constitution Draft Policies and Procedures Implementation plan to support the

constitution Revised Conservancy Organogram

Decision Making Structures

Decision Making Structures Membership

3 categories of membership Termination of membership Clear rights, decision making roles and responsibilities spelling out their

powers

Conservancy Committee 17 persons:

7 executive committee members 6 area reps 3 interest groups 1 Traditional Authority rep.

delegated and restricted powers

Traditional Authority’s Role Traditional leader Traditional authority

Internal Monitoring and Control by

Conservancy Members

Financial Management 2 Bank Accounts –

Operational and Investment

Signatories to be approved at GM and not blood related

Qualified bookkeeper to be employed

2 financial statements / year - 1 audited by independent auditors

Financial Management Monthly income and expenditure

report for members. Policy , Procedures and guidelines

developed Benefit Distribution Plan to be

approved at GM All members and vulnerable groups

including children and orphans to benefit

Meetings Annual General

Meeting Half Annual General

Meeting 2 General meetings Conservancy

Committee Meeting x 1/month

Executive Committee x 2 / month

Area meetings x at least 4 /year ( before every GM)

Conservancy Disciplinary CommitteeComposed of the

following: Tl as the chairperson Incumbent

conservancy chairperson

3 conservancy members elected at GM for 2 year term re-electable.

To hear and adjudicate matters and membership issues

Dispute Resolution

Lessons Learnt and Recommendations

Process can be costly – both in term of time and resources – long-term investment

Awareness building should be part of the constitutional drafting process – key foundation to usable constitution and hence empowerment

Area level consultations remains critical for inputs to the constitution drafting

Independent facilitation support is required – as committee sometimes may be intimidated by the process – e.g. constitutional committee

“No short cuts to membership participation”

IT’S A NEW DAY and A NEW SEASON for Doro !Nawas Conservancy

Thank You and

God Bless You ll!!!