1. NAMIBIA CRANE ACTION PLAN incorporating wetland birds and their habitats, in association with the Namibia Wetland Working Group www.nnf.org.na/cranes.htm

2. Background First Namibia Crane Workshop at Etosha in May 2004 Partnership among NNF, SIDA, MET, the African Wattled Crane Programme (ICF / EWT) and many other supporters Vision: cranes and people sharing habitats in harmony in Namibia Mission: to conserve cranes and their habitats in partnership with the people who share these habitats

3. Conservation status Blue Crane is Critically Endangered in Namibia, population declining - Numbers overall: 20 000, Namibia 60 ? Wattled Crane is Critically Endangered in Namibia, population stable; - Numbers overall: 8 000, Namibia 200 Grey Crowned Cane is Near Threatened in Namibia, population stable/ decreasing; - Numbers overall: 58 000 – 77 000; Namibia < 50

4. Action plan 1. Co-ordinate conservation effort and promote networking Newsletters (38 to date) with ongoing contributions Website Regular (local community) workshops and local meetings Wide communication network: local, regional, national, international

5. 2. Obtain information and data Aerial and ground crane counts as part of a separate Blue Crane Project at Etosha and surrounds; aerial survey over southern Angola Radio and satellite tracking project for Blue Cranes in Etosha Wattled Crane counts (including aerial surveys) in Bushmanland, Caprivi, Kavango

6. 2. Promote conservation awareness /education Production and distribution of crane awareness materials e.g. crane activity book, posters including on Red Listed cranes/inland wetland birds See 1 (above)

7. 4. Conserve crane populations and habitats Integrate crane conservation aspects into regular MET and conservancy management activities (including monitoring – event book) Ongoing liaison with Wetland Working Group

8. 5. Promote the economic value of cranes and their habitats Promote wetland bird-based tourism

9. 6. Build capacity Local community workshops, bird clubs Bird guide training (NATH level III)

10. 7. Develop area-based crane management strategies Local crane working groups are in place in main 5 crane conservation areas Promote community involvement on a local level

11. Acknowledgements The implementation of the Namibia crane action plan has been funded by: 2004 Sida (LEF) 2005 Sida (LEF) 2006 Sida (LEF) 2007 (subsidized privately) 2008-2009 GEF SGP The ongoing interest and assistance of countless other supporters and partners is acknowledged with grateful thanks.