The LEAD Project was launched in 1997 in recognition of the fact that many future human rights issues in Namibia are likely to involve decisions about and competition over the ownership and development of land and other natural resources. The LEAD Project is often called upon to advise communities on land and environmental rights, developmental options in tourism and communal land initiatives such as communal area conservancies. The LEAD Project's primary aim is to address the needs of the rural poor by cooperating with government and NGOs working in the relevant field.