World Wildlife Day – Sustaining life on earth 

World Wildlife Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013 as the day on which the world celebrates and raises awareness of the endangered fauna and flora around the world. Celebrated every year on 3 March, the day is this time around being celebrated under the theme “Sustaining all Life on Earth”. In Namibia, the fight …

The B2GOLD Rhino Gold Bar –  Going gold for a change 

In the third and final episode of this special podcast highlighting the B2Gold Rhino Gold Bar Mark Dawe, Managing Director and Country Manager of B2Gold Namibia, sat down with 99FM’s Ché Ulenga to talk about the Rhino Gold Bar’s features, how to purchase, and how the purchase of a gold bar will contribute to the survival of the rhino.  CU: …

The B2GOLD Rhino Gold Bar initiative 

The difference that 1000 ounces of gold can make The ground-breaking initiative of a 1000 ounce donation of gold by B2Gold in aid of rhino conservation is a striking example of creative philanthropy – not only to save the rhino, but to uplift communities which are dependent on a rhino-based economy.  In this second episode of a special podcast that …

The B2GOLD Rhino Gold Bar initiative

Creative philanthropy for the future of the planet A gold bar is seen as a representation of one of the best investments one could make.  To invest in the future of the planet, particularly the future of the endangered rhino, B2Gold’s Rhino Gold Bar initiative puts creative philanthropy at the forefront of rhino conservation.  This will be done through a …

A passion written in the stars

The struggle and the story behind becoming a world-famous astronomer  “The best piece of business advice I have comes from Sir Richard Branson. He said: ‘Do what you love, love what you do and the rest will take care of itself – happy is the man that can work and play at the same time.’” Rob Johnstone is a happy …

Off the beaten tracks

Namibians have many reasons to be proud of our country. One example that has gained international respect and mimicry is our community-based natural resource management, or CBNRM.  Since its founding in the mid-1980’s, the CBNRM programme has become and international model for combining tourism, conservation and community development for the benefit of rural Namibians living in communal conservancies.  These communities …

Growing your own food 

Water is always a critical talking point in arid countries such as Namibia. However, many people and organisations are stepping up to share potential solutions to curbing water wastage when producing food. The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia has built aquaponic systems at several schools in Southern Namibia.  Bernadette Shalumbu explains that aquaponics produces both fish and organic vegetables in …

Water – It’s a people problem!

Despite the random good years of rain in Namibia, there are facts that we cannot dismiss:  Namibia is an arid country and as such, is prone to droughts. Without significant global policy change, the world will only have 60% of the water it needs by 2030.  In a warming world, droughts will expand and dry places will get drier.  In …

Wanderlust – Getting lost in the beauty of Namibia

‘Wanderlust’ is the irresistibly strong desire to travel or wander; the word may be German in origin, but the feeling is universal. The impulse to explore, to push the boundaries and to challenge preconceived ideas can be realised in the calm of a Tibetan monastery, at the depths of the sea, or it can be quenched right here at home.  …

Sustainable Conservation in Namibia

A pragmatic environmentalist, a vegetarian and a supporter of sustainable hunting, Dr Chris Brown has been at the forefront of Namibia’s environmental movement for the past 30 years.  His practical experience encompasses environmental management, administration, strategic planning, development and project and programme design coordination. He was the Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s first Director of the Directorate of Environmental Affairs, …