Interview with Chief Joseph Mayuni

His Royal Highness Mayuni is the traditional authority of the Mafwe people of Mashi, who established their own communal conservancy in northeastern Namibia. He played an important role in advocating for people living on communal lands to regain the rights to use wildlife sustainably, reflecting their traditional practices prior to colonialism and apartheid. He explains how his people live with wildlife and have engaged in the wildlife economy to increase benefits and improve their livelihoods. In his view, non-African policy makers must listen to the people who live with wildlife before making their decisions.