2 - Namibia

Question 1

What is special about Namibia?

Answer 1

It’s the most arid coutnry south of the Sahara

Question 2

What is the population density of Namibia? (2025)

Answer 2

4 per Km²

Question 3

What is the average rainfall in Namibia/year?

Answer 3

278mm

Question 4

How many sunny days/year?

Answer 4

300 - ideal for tourism but also results in vulnerability to desertification and water scarcity

Question 5

What percentage of GDP did tourism contribute in 2009?

Answer 5

13.9% of GDP

Question 6

What percentage of employment did tourism contribute in 2009?

Answer 6

and 17.8% of employment

Question 7

What attractions does Namibia offer?

Answer 7

natural landscapes, wildlife, archaeology, and indigenous cultures

Question 8

Who are the key stakeholders?

Answer 8

1. MEP (Ministry of Environment & Tourism) - Monitors environmental impact
2. NTB (Namibia Tourism Board) - Regulates accommodation, transport, services
3. NACOBTA - Supports community-based tourism, ensuring benefits reach locals

Question 9

What sustainability issues are involved?

Answer 9

• High tourist ecological footprint (3× local water use, energy demand, and waste).
• Desert ecosystems have low carrying capacity; waste decomposes slowly (e.g., aluminium cans: up to 4,000 years).
• Cultural intrusion: tourists can disrespect local traditions, give inappropriate gifts, and encourage begging.

Question 10

What sustainable tourism practices are taking place?

Answer 10

UNEP Guidelines Implemented
* Use solar energy, dry toilets, biodegradable soap, and take home non-biodegradable waste.
* Restrict group sizes, use qualified guides, and ban harmful practices (e.g., flash photography, feeding wildlife).

Question 11

What is a challenge?

Answer 11

Tourism is seasonal, peaking in European summer (dry season).

Question 12

What is a resilience?

Answer 12

Industry is resilient to external shocks like terrorism and epidemics but must balance growth with conservation

Question 13

What is the Damaraland Camp (Torra Conservancy)?

Answer 13

• A model of community-based tourism run by the Damara people & Wilderness Safaris.
• Built with local materials, employs local staff, and profits fund clinics, education, water, anti-poaching.
• Wildlife populations have doubled since the project began.
• Winner of the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award.