Over the last nineteen years, community based natural resource management (CBNRM) has proven again and again to be an important instrument for the Government of Namibian to meet its goals with respect to sustainable development. CBNRM is based on the understanding that if natural resources have sufficient value to rural communities, and allow for exclusive rights of use, benefit and management, then this policy environment will create appropriate incentives for people to use natural resources in a sustainable way. Through innovative legislation, rights have been devolved to These rural communities, with particular regard to wildlife, water and forest resources.