What?

The Namibian National Biodiversity Programme has recently launched a new project as part of the activities contributing to the global Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) signed in Rio, 1992. Balancing conservation and development needs, the long-term goal of this new project is to restore disturbed areas by natural means. Click here for more information on ecological restoration. Clearing and earth moving associated with many development projects have potentially detrimental impacts on the environment. Understanding the natural processes of landscape and ecosystems is a pre-condition to counteract possibly irreversible negative impacts and develop suitable methods using nature to restore disturbed areas.

Although the idea of the project is applicable to most parts of Namibia, this pilot venture will commence in the southern Namib Desert.

The southern Namib Desert is of utmost conservation importance comprising:

• one of the few 'hotspots' of plant diversity of international conservation importance in an arid region;

• the richest succulent flora on earth; and

• a centre of diversity for many reptile, mammal and insect groups.

Due to restricted access, most parts of the southern Namib are hitherto relatively pristine and consequently have great tourism appeal. However, recent development plans are locally threatening southern Namib ecosystems. Click here for more detail.

With a two-pronged strategy of targeting basic and applied research, the southern Namib restoration project is:

• developing a research and monitoring framework (e.g. re-planting with indigenous succulents)

• establishing a Southern Namib Restoration Fund

• promoting the project's objectives

• striving to establish a multidisciplinary, transboundary research project, and facilitate training opportunities.

During this pilot phase most of the activities above are supported by the National Biodiversity Programme over a two year period (1999-2001). However, to actively carry out research and monitoring work, additional funds will be required. With a wide coverage in mind, the findings are being submitted to scientific journals and publicised in popular media. Click here for a list of current SNARE publications. Click here for Slide show providing overview of project

• Namibian National Biodiversity Programme - oversees project implementation - supports core programme

• EnviroScience - co-ordinates Southern Namib Restoration Ecology project

• Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) - provides "seed" funding via Biodiversity Programme

• Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) - administers funds

• National Botanical Research Institute - assists with practical input and facilities

• Directorate of Environmental Affairs - provides government umbrella

• Namibian National Biodiversity Task Force - gives scientific input

There are many ways to support this project:

Financially:

• Contribute to the Southern Namib Restoration Fund (via the non-profit NNF)

• Facilitate and support projects within the research and monitoring framework

Logistically:

• develop, test and monitor restoration methods

• facilitate access to diamond area and potential study sites

• give input to the research and monitoring framework

• tell more people about the project

Would you like some more info or would you like to contribute? - Please contact:

Antje Burke at EnviroScience, P.O. Box 90230, Windhoek
Tel/Fax: +264-61-223739