This paper provides an overview of how policy and legislation is changing regarding local management of natural resources in Namibia. It also briefly examines what might be the implications of this and the links to what is occurring in other related areas. First, it looks at why this is an important issue. The paper then looks at why community level control is more effective for many resources than at a lower level (family) or higher level (regional or national). Policies on water, woodlands, wildlife, inland fisheries and land are also examined and compared. The paper concludes that the present sectoral policies and legislation provide opportunities for experimentation, but also problems of duplication, contradictions and overlaps. Lastly, it looks at the role of government relating to the new community institutions and the potential threats and opportunities for community based institutions.