This paper brings together a multidisciplinary team of anthropologists, historians, biologists, and environmental researchers to address socio‑economic issues with environmental implications. It also served as a capacity‑building initiative, pairing senior and junior researchers with student interns to develop skills in desk research and academic writing. Beyond generating new knowledge, the project aimed to raise awareness among community members, funders, and policymakers about the gendered, economic, and environmental importance of trees. Despite certain limitations, the effort proved valuable in producing research outputs, offering training opportunities, and expanding scientific horizons for emerging Namibian scholars