OWA KORA was founded by a family — and it is built by people who bring their whole selves to it. From a design studio in Germany to a ranger camp in Namibia, everyone here is in this because they believe it matters.
founding team — germany
co-founder · conservation & design
Trained with EcoTraining in Namibia, Lena leads conservation programming and community partnerships. She also runs Studio F — the design studio behind the OWA KORA brand. Both feet in the wilderness, both hands on the work.
co-founder · development & strategy
With a background in property development and business structuring, Michael oversees the legal entities, investor relations, fundraising and the systems that keep the project running from Europe.
the youngest voice
Five years old. Growing up between Germany and Namibia. She is the most concrete answer to the question of why this project exists — because the wild should still be there when she is grown.
on-site team — namibia
field director & head ranger
25 years in the Kavango-Zambezi region. He knows the land in ways that cannot be learned from books — the seasonal movements, the animal personalities, the old omuramba crossings. The operational heart of OWA KORA in Namibia.
community partners & local stewards
The Mpareke family has lived on and alongside this land for generations. Their knowledge of the ecosystem and their relationships with the broader community are foundational to everything OWA KORA does.
field rangers · anti-poaching
Our local ranger team — all from the Kavango region — conduct daily patrols, operate the camera trap network and lead field activities. Employed, trained and paid year-round. The team is expanding as the project grows.
the structure
OWA KORA Wildlife Conservation e.V. is registered in Germany. It manages donations, issues tax-deductible receipts, coordinates the volunteer and education programmes and produces annual audited accounts. Founders Lena and Michael are based here.
The physical land, the ranger team, the camp and the Pty Ltd lodge are all in Namibia. François van Zyl leads on-site. The Mpareke family are active community partners. This is where conservation actually happens, every day.
values we work by
honesty
Conservation is hard and we say so. Trust requires honesty about both progress and setbacks.
community first
Conservation that excludes local people has no long-term future. We build with the community, not for them.
long-term thinking
We plant trees we will not sit under. The wells we build today will be used by elephants in 30 years.
join the team
Whether you are a biologist, a ranger, a fundraiser, a teacher or a communicator — if you believe in what we are doing, we want to hear from you.
field — namibia
Experienced in bush tracking and wildlife management. Kavango regional knowledge a strong advantage. Year-round contract.
communications — remote
Content, storytelling and donor engagement for the e.V. German and English fluency essential.
lodge — 2027
Lodge manager and service team for the eco-lodge opening in 2027. Hospitality with genuine conservation interest.