Linked to the Integrated community-based Ecosystem Management Programme

The environmental benefits produced by the project include raising awareness of environmental issues. Through training programs that were held at Gobabeb and throughout Namibia, the importance of biodiversity was a main focus. For example, every group trained at Gobabeb in 2006 and 2007 went for an environmentally focused walk where they learned the importance of biodiversity. The training at Gobabeb focuses specifically on desert fauna and flora, their unique adaptations, and their role in desert ecosystems. In addition, with help of funds from IYDD, the Eduventure (a SGP project) collected biodiversity data which Gobabeb helped make accessible to all relevant stakeholders. Various stakeholders and steering committee members wrote several articles on the importance of biodiversity in the environment. The environmental benefits of biodiversity were addressed in all public lecturers, presentations and workshops held during the project as well as the publications prepared and disseminated. The link between desertification and poverty was emphasized during the project period, particularly by raising awareness on the link between desertification and its underlying social causes and effects. The group also aimed to address land degradation in arid, semi arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors including climatic variations, but primarily human activities.