Sustainable Tourism in NamibiaBy Akotowaa
Sustainable Tourism
Preserves natural
environment
Respects culture of the
locals
Guarantees livelihood of
locals
Some facts about Namibia
Most arid country south of the Sahara Desert
Receives 258 millimeters of rain a year.
Very low population density – about 2 people per kilometer.
Three topographical zones: Western Coastal zone – home of Namib Desert Eastern Desert Zone Semi-arid central plateau
Desertification is a barrier to economic progress
300 days of sunshine a year – great for tourism.
How Important is Tourism in Namibia?
Namibia Sub-Saharan Africa The World0
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Tourism in Namibia against Africa and The World - 2009 stats
% contribution to GDP % of people employed % annual growth
Contributing factors to Namibia’s Economy
Mining Eg. Diamonds
Agriculture and FishingConstitutes 40% of
country’s GDP
TourismGrown steadily since Namibia’s Independence in 1990
Namibia’s Main Attractions
Natural Environment
Diverse Cultures
Archaeological Sites
Natural Environment
40% of wildlife located in protected and communal areas.
Commercial farms on private lands contain majority of the wildlife.
Privately-owned semi-arid to arid range lands have multimillion-pound industries based on
Viewing of game animals Controlled destruction/ trophy hunting (Trophy hunting: Selective hunting of wild game animals)
Namibia’s Tourism Bodies
Ministry for the Environment and Tourism• Monitors impact of tourism on the environment• Concerned with land degradation/desertification, water scarcity, threats to biodiversity etc
Namibia Tourism Board• Regulating aspects of the tourist industry• Eg accommodation, transport, catering
Namibia Community Based Tourism Association• Provides funding for new ventures• Ensures that money raised from tourism reaches local community
Issues Faced vs UN Environmental Program Recommendations
Issues Overconsumption of resources
Tourists consume up to 3 times water of local people
Demands for hot water uses a lot of fuelwood
Low carrying capacity of desert environments
High waste output
Looting of paintings and engravings
UNEP Recommendations Use alternatives to fuelwood
Use purified water instead of mineral water in plastic bottles
Use dry toilets, burn toilet paper
Use biodegradable detergent
Tourists take their non-biodegradable waste home
Forbidding flash photography etc
Issues Faced vs UN Environmental Program Recommendations
Issues
Tourists’ disrespectful behaviour Eg, in the way they dress Use of offensive gestures Intrusive photography
Restricting locals’ access to grazing land and water, where resources are under pressure
UNEP Recommendations
Produce should be bought from local communities
Encourage intercultural understanding
Provide language training
Draw on expertise and knowledge of local communities
Responsible tourism at the local scaleHimba people of Kaokoland
About Kaokoland
In Northern Namibia
40 000 km2
Less than 30 000 inhabitants
Himba people: semi-nomadic, pastoral population Pastoral: Relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle.
(Pastures) Main food: cow milk, meat Cattle are the main symbol of wealth
Himba people
Himba people
Huts made from tree saplings mixed with mud and dung
Surrounded by animal pens
Wear traditional dresses
Speak local language
Follow traditional behavioural codes
Attracted many anthropologists
Lifestyle probably related to their geographical location
Himba people
Himba people
Plaster skin and hair with butter and ash for protection against the sun, and youthful looks
Wear elaborate jewellery
Intricate weaving of hair
How Himba reflects sustainable tourism
Maintaining the culture of the local people Language Dressing Hunting Food
Tourists have not interfered with the locals or the environment
Damaraland
Accommodation at Damaraland Camp
Damaraland was named by the World Travel and Tourism Council in 2005 as the winner of the Tourism Tomorrow Conservation Award
Award recognizes and promotes practices in responsible tourism
Camp is run by local Damara people, and western operator Wilderness Safaris
Set up in 1996
Camp consists of tents on wooden platforms, shaded and open to breeze
Verandahs have a view of the Haub River Valley and the mountains
Game is driven into the valley
Accommodation at Damaraland Camp
Food is eaten in a dining area of local stone and canvas
Plunge pool for guests
Sustains itself without donor funding
Profits go to mobile clinics, educational materials, running water, Anti-poaching patrols. (Poaching: illegal hunting of game)
10% income goes back onto the communities from Wilderness Safaris
Populations in conservancy have doubled since 1996.
More Helpful Sites
http://www.mdgfund.org/program/sustainableculturaltourismnamibia
http://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/namibia-s-sustainable-tourism-success
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