It is October 2011. Seven tour operators gather far up north on the Skeleton Coast, at Dr Philip Stander’s station in Möwe Bay, to discuss the recent lion poisoning in the Puros Conservancy in the Kunene Region. Félix Vallat, a tour guide at that time and inspired by Garth Owen-Smith and Dr Stander, has already had conversations with these companies about the need for tourism to support conservation, and in particular assist communities who live with wildlife, if its own long-term viability is to be ensured.
The uproar in the Namibian tourism industry as a result of the poisoning incident was a direct reason for stakeholders to open the dialogue. The consensus towards the end of the meeting was overwhelming: an organisation was needed to strengthen the relationship of the tourism industry with communities and conservation organisations. That same year, Félix founded the Tourism Supporting Conservation Trust which has become known as TOSCO.
This year, the TOSCO team celebrates its 10th anniversary by reflecting on what has been achieved thus far and focusing on
