Page 90 - Gondwana Value Creation Report 2020

HOW WE GOVERN GONDWANA SUSTAINABILITY What we did in 2020 The vaccine is the key for the establishment of some

level of certainty. Fair and equitable access to the
vaccine is important for the global containment of the
The committee:
COMMITTEE
virus and the prevention of new variants occurring.
○ Considered strategies for further investment in and
provided entrepreneurial support to the conservancies
Although we remain optimistic, we are aware of the
and communities surrounding our operations
uncertainty we face. To this end we will continue to be
adaptive and innovative in how we respond, so as to
○ Reviewed and approved the environmental
contribute to a truly sustainable Gondwana that will
overview policy as well as considering the scope
and implementation of the envisaged environmental
assessment
The committee will continue to support management
and our employees who have done a sterling job in
Trophy Hiwilepo ○ Supported management in facilitating the signature with outlive its founders while remaining true to its values.
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of the
steering the company during the uncertain 2020.
traversing right agreement into Etosha National Park via
Contributing to long-term ○ Provided input and guidance to management on Going into 2021, our focus areas will be:
the King Nehale gate
○ Finalising Gondwana’s Social Impact policy.
sustainable financial value for implementation of an adaptive park management plan ○ Finalising negotiation and signing new conservancy
following the persistent drought
agreements with Palmwag, Salambala and Mashi
the company while protecting ○ Oversaw the appointment of a Community Liaison Conservancies. The aim is to maximise the benefits
Officer with a focus on the conservancies in Kavango and
shared to the conservancies.
Zambezi, as well as the Kunene and Oshikoto regions
nature and people. ○ Strategised and advised on matters relating to ○ Supporting and continuing engagement with
conservancies where Gondwana lodges are located.
Gondwana’s operations in conservancy communities ○ Engaging and working together with our partners
We see ourselves as an integral part of society and the environment.
Our eyes are on the future (including government) towards the revival of tourism.
Gondwana’s sustainability depends on multiple factors, including
profitability, structural and operational agility, innovation and having an Going forward, we need to consider what tourism will look We will continue to invest
empowered employee base. To this end we focus on: like post-Covid-19, and how Gondwana needs to adapt to
these new realities. We need to know how our relationships and take care of our
○ Sustainable profits to the benefit of Gondwana and those we commit and resources we depend on will change. We appreciate and
funds to employees, the environment,
understand that tourism will most likely never be as it was pre-
○ Adaptable and sustainable environmental management and protection Covid-19 – a new normal for tourism will emerge. We already communities and, through
○ Information management, analytics and innovation know that tourism should recover gradually, beginning with
○ Enhancing our impact and influence for the good of all through domestic, then regional, then inter-continental tourism. the Trust, those most
partnerships
○ Reducing inequality vulnerable in our society.
In 2020, our very existence as an

organisation was put into focus. Committee overview
We needed to ask ourselves how The sustainability committee (the committee) oversees social and environmental matters and discusses matters material
to Gondwana’s sustainability. The committee’s strategy in relation to Gondwana’s sustainability is based on the following
we survive without losing sight of pillars:
our values and principles. Business innovation improves working practices to anticipate and pre-empt emerging threats while identifying and
exploiting the opportunities they hold. Prudent innovation also contributes to our aspirational brand.

Gondwana is focused on people and the environment. We improve the lives of the people we affect, while protecting
and advocating for our environment.
Our strategy includes a focus on fostering quality partnerships with the right stakeholders. In doing so, we can set the
standards for sustainable business practices in Namibia.
The committee is chaired by Trophy Hiwilepo, and external professionals Greg Stuart-Hill, Eino Emvula and Mike Mukete
are independent non-executive members.

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