Good Friends in Conservation

Standing Together for a Wilder Future

The World Conservation Congress 2025, held in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, brought together thousands of dedicated conservationists, researchers, and organisations from across the globe, all united by a shared goal: to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.

Among the many meaningful connections made at the event, the N/a’an ku sê  Foundation team was delighted to welcome two remarkable conservationists to our stand, Hannelie Smit from BirdLife South Africa and Petronel Nieuwoudt from Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary.

Both Hannelie and Petronel represent organisations doing extraordinary work in the field of wildlife conservation.

• BirdLife South Africa plays a crucial role in protecting bird species and their habitats, working tirelessly to preserve avian diversity through research, advocacy, and community engagement.

• Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, meanwhile, is a globally recognised sanctuary and rehabilitation centre dedicated to the rescue, care, and rewilding of rhinos orphaned by poaching.

Meeting these inspiring women at the Congress reminded us how interconnected our conservation efforts truly are. Whether it’s protecting rhinos, birds, or the ecosystems they depend on, every action contributes to the larger mission of safeguarding our natural world.

At N/a’an ku sê Foundation, collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. The global conservation community thrives when passionate individuals and organizations stand together, share knowledge, and support one another’s missions.

As we continue our work to protect Namibia’s wildlife and uplift local communities, moments like these strengthen our belief that together, we can make lasting change, one partnership, one species, one ecosystem at a time.

Good friends in conservation — stronger together for a wilder, brighter future.