Women protect baobab giants in Nyae-Nyae
In Namibia’s Nyae-Nyae Conservancy, some of the country’s oldest and most iconic baobab trees stand tall, but the severe droughts of 2023 and 2024 left many damaged, especially as thirsty elephants stripped bark, broke branches, and even snapped trunks in search of food and water.Concerned by the scale of destruction, WWF Namibia teamed up with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to launch an aerial survey. They mapped about 600 baobabs and found visible damage to at least 70 of them.
In response, four local villages stepped in with a simple but effective solution: placing stones and wire mesh around the trees to keep elephants at bay. So far, 40 trees have been protected.
At the heart of the project are ten local women trained to use GPS tools and the EarthRanger app. They now monitor the trees daily - measuring trunks, documenting damage, and identifying fruit-bearing trees for extra protection. Their work not only supports conservation but also provides a valuable income.
By July 2025, these women had recorded data on nearly 600 trees. Thankfully, early 2025 rains helped refill waterholes, giving the baobabs a break from elephant pressure.
The project is a shining example of how traditional knowledge and modern tech can work together. These women are more than just tree guardians; they’re pioneers of a new generation of female conservationists. WWF Namibia plans to grow the project further, helping both nature and nearby communities thrive.