Roger Collinson

44+ years in conservation, game ranching, and ecotourism across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Lesotho.

Outjo, Kunene Region, Namibia

About

Establishing, managing and building the capacity of institutions dealing with the conservation of wildlife and ecotourism. Training and developing staff in the discipline of wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Facilitating joint ventures and other partnerships between rural communities and private sector in wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Formulating strategic plans, policy and legislation within the disciplines of wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Planning, developing and managing national parks and communal land conservancies. Identifying opportunities for ecotourism on state, private and communal land- and then developing and implementing plans accordingly. Planning, conducting and supervising research programs. Developing environmental education programs.

Experience

  • Technical Adviser – Kunene Region at Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC)
    2015 - Present · 11 yrs 7 mos

    *Leading the Ombonde People’s Park Initiative, developing a conservation and tourism framework for community-managed protected areas. *Facilitating joint ventures between Kunene Highland Elephant Conservancies and the private sector. *Supporting policy development and community-based conservation strategies in Namibia.

  • Change Management Advisor - Etosha National Park at Millennium Challenge Account – Namibia
    2009 - 2014 · 5 yrs

    *Strengthened park management and tourism infrastructure within Etosha National Park. *Developed policies for community tourism concessions and facilitated the opening of West Etosha to tourism.

  • General Manager at Lapalala Wilderness
    2004 - 2009 · 5 yrs

    *Oversaw planning, development, and management of Lapalala Wilderness, a major conservation and ecotourism project in the Waterberg region. *Led conservation, anti-poaching strategies, and community engagement programs.

  • Independent Consultant at Roger Collinson Independent Consultant
    1994 - 2004 · 10 yrs

    *Co-authored the Integrated Development and Management Plan for iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa’s 1st UNESCO World Heritage Site). *Advised on tourism and conservation strategies in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Madagascar. *Led feasibility studies for Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana) and multiple private game reserves.

  • National Parks & Ecotourism Advisor at European Union – Botswana Wildlife Conservation & Management Programme
    2003 - 2003 · Less than a year

    Developed management and ecotourism strategies for Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi, and Moremi Game Reserves.