Page 25 - UNAM’s National Capstone Contributions

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For more information, please contact:
Lukubwe, Sinvula Michael
Email: slukubwe@unam.na
( +264 66 262 600

Selection of species followed largely their conservation Overall, the development of this framework was found to
status and the potential of it serving as an indicator be strategic to both institutions in that the university can
species. Besides monitoring flora and fauna, the complement the efforts being made by the ministry in
framework identified associated environmental terms of monitoring biodiversity. For example, university
variables namely, soil or water pH, soil organic carbon students can assist with data collection by conducting
to be monitored, and up to 11 conservation threats their practical sessions in the park while collecting
such as fire, human wildlife conflict, conflicting land use relevant data. Longitudinal datasets collected through
practices, human population per se, and alien plants. this form of citizen science can aid parties in monitoring
A blended monitoring system was recommended the impacts of climate fluctuations and changes in
that combined both the use of earth observations biodiversity.
data sets and in situ surveys. To establish a baseline,
a 10-year period of consecutive sampling was
recommended. For sustainability purposes, the team
then proceeded and developed detailed surveying
protocols for vegetation, avifauna and mammal
taxa. The Park staff was subsequently trained on the
implementation of these protocols. Currently, the
university continuous to support the implementation
of the BMF. For example, there is an ongoing research
study focused on the demographic and genetic
diversity of roan and sable in the park and is providing
support on ongoing seasonal mammal camera
trapping surveys.

UNAM Projects Addressing National Priority Areas