This is the third of three background reports prepared on behalf of the Strengthening the System of National Protected Areas Project, "A Conservation Needs Assessment." The report consists of a status assessment of existing protected areas (PAs) identifying priority threats and problems. It also includes the identification of ways to realign the PA network for optimal conservation success within the Namibian context. Finally, it includes the execution of a needs assessment concerning land and species not represented in protected areas as guided by priorities for habitat protection. Related specific outputs include an assessment of the data management requirements, an evaluation of the potential for proclamation of World Heritage Sites in order to complement PAs, and an audit of current control procedures concerning prospecting and mining in PAs.