In the Kunene Highlands, the partnership is formalised through a local Namibian legal entity, Kunene Conservation, established as a company limited by guarantee (not for profit) in Namibia, as part of a formal, long-term management mandate to work with the conservancy. As Kunene Conservation establishes long-term agreements with other conservancies, the existing governance structure will be adjusted to reflect these new arrangements.

Orupupa Conservancy falls within the Kunene Highlands in northwestern Namibia, one of 12 conservancies that represent an area of considerable conservation importance providing connectivity between Etosha National Park and the Kunene River conservancies to the north and those neighbouring Skeleton Coast to the west (Figure 2). Orupupa is located on the eastern periphery of this conservation complex and represents a keystone block for connectivity.