Book on Spitzkoppe helps local community

AT the Spitzkoppe, unemployment is widespread.The limited income-generating options leave hundreds of people struggling for survival every day.

About 1 200 people live in the area. Income is generated through small-stock farming, the informal sector and tourism.Spitzkoppe has limited land suitable for agriculture because of a lack of water.As a result, the existing land suited for grazing has been overgrazed.The site is home to species of plants, birds and wildlife that are only found in this exceptional geological area.The Spitzkoppe area has spectacular natural resources and boasts some of Namibia’s most unique sceneries and biodiversity, but at the same time it is also a very sensitive environment under pressure from the number of visitors to the area and natural resource use.Schools face a lack of teaching materials and limited resources to offer the pupils the education needed.Therefore, the Namibian Community Based Tourism Association (Nacobta), with funding from the Global Environmental Fund’s Small Grants Fund, has developed information posters and booklets that deal with the geology of the mountain and rock art, the history of the area and the Damara people, the local flora and fauna, cultural and biodiversity issues surrounding the Spitzkoppe that can be sold to visitors to generate income and help to reduce rural poverty.The book has been translated into the local language and given to the headmaster, Rheinhard Do?seb, of Katora Primary School at Spitzkoppe to be used as an educational resource and to Riaan Gariseb, Chairman of the ?Gaingu Conservancy Committee.The ultimate goal of the project is to raise interest and awareness, and positively influence behaviour on environmental issues, promoting the protection of resources and regional biodiversity amongst Namibians and visitors to Spitzkoppe.Proceeds from sales of the book, which is available in English and German, will also provide a source of income to the community.The funds generated will be put towards a community project.Olga Katjiuongua, Director of Nacobta, and Diaso Karonda of the Namibia Nature Foundation launched the book and a series of four complementary posters, written and compiled by Annie Symonds, at Spitzkoppe on Monday last week.The book is available at the Spitzkoppe rest camp and from local bookstores.Income is generated through small-stock farming, the informal sector and tourism.Spitzkoppe has limited land suitable for agriculture because of a lack of water.As a result, the existing land suited for grazing has been overgrazed.The site is home to species of plants, birds and wildlife that are only found in this exceptional geological area.The Spitzkoppe area has spectacular natural resources and boasts some of Namibia’s most unique sceneries and biodiversity, but at the same time it is also a very sensitive environment under pressure from the number of visitors to the area and natural resource use.Schools face a lack of teaching materials and limited resources to offer the pupils the education needed.Therefore, the Namibian Community Based Tourism Association (Nacobta), with funding from the Global Environmental Fund’s Small Grants Fund, has developed information posters and booklets that deal with the geology of the mountain and rock art, the history of the area and the Damara people, the local flora and fauna, cultural and biodiversity issues surrounding the Spitzkoppe that can be sold to visitors to generate income and help to reduce rural poverty.The book has been translated into the local language and given to the headmaster, Rheinhard Do?seb, of Katora Primary School at Spitzkoppe to be used as an educational resource and to Riaan Gariseb, Chairman of the ?Gaingu Conservancy Committee.The ultimate goal of the project is to raise interest and awareness, and positively influence behaviour on environmental issues, promoting the protection of resources and regional biodiversity amongst Namibians and visitors to Spitzkoppe.Proceeds from sales of the book, which is available in English and German, will also provide a source of income to the community.The funds generated will be put towards a community project.Olga Katjiuongua, Director of Nacobta, and Diaso Karonda of the Namibia Nature Foundation launched the book and a series of four complementary posters, written and compiled by Annie Symonds, at Spitzkoppe on Monday last week.The book is available at the Spitzkoppe rest camp and from local bookstores.