Initially an assessment of the Etosha National Park's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) was undertaken by staff within the MET (see Appendix 1); who have had extensive experience of the Park and the area. From this assessment a Mission Statement and Strategic Goals were developed. This plan therefore follows a format, and under each section a background introduction is provided which outlines the issues that are considered important in the context of the Mission and Strategic Goals. This provides a background to the Policy Statement, which outlines the broad management approach or philosophy for that section. Following on from the Policy, a set of Guiding Principles are then outlined. These provide a more detailed description of the principles which will guide decisions at a more specific level. The Introduction, Policy and Guiding Principles all form the basis and logic of the management approach to issues in the Park.