Tourism Supporting Conservation

““Major challenges like biodiversity conservation have to be taken up by the current generations; especially the fight against loss of habitat and poaching.
Everyone should take their responsibilities in this fight including the tourism industry which clearly has a major role to play. But so far, we are not winning and much more needs to be done if we are to secure a safer and healthy world for us and the next generation.
TOSCO has decided to be up to the challenge in the name of tourism and make a difference for the good of the Namibian’s natural resources and its people”.
TOSCO Team

We invite you to be part of a community that cares for Namibia’s wild places.

BACKGROUND

In Namibia people and wildlife, including large animals like lions and elephants, still coexist in many places. These wild animals, freely roaming Namibia’s scenic landscapes, are a unique tourism asset. But this also often leads to conflicts with people whose livelihoods are negatively affected by wildlife. Following a series of such human/wildlife conflicts, impassioned tourism operators assumed responsibility: they joined forces to contribute to avoiding and mitigating such conflicts in the future – for the benefit of all, the local communities, wildlife and tourism.

TOSCO Trust was founded in 2012 to generate funds to support rural people in their efforts to safeguard the natural resources used by tourism, especially wildlife, on Namibia’s communal lands.

TOSCO also strives to provide a communication platform for the stakeholders, especially the tourism industry, conservation organizations and local people, and to increase awareness for conservation issues and responsible tourism in Namibia.

The funds generated will be used to fund projects approved by the Trust. These programs may vary from year to year depending on the needs identified and funds available. Donors are considered as members and have their say on the programs chosen. We guarantee a transparent use of funds by providing program progress reports and financial accountability.