Namibia, a country rich in natural resources, is facing a tough decision. The nation’s leaders want development, employment and global recognition, while communities, especially those in rural areas, seek income to feed their poverty-stricken households. Wildlife-based tourism and associated conservation have created rural jobs and continue to grow as a major industry. However, the energy sector (including oil, gas and hydrogen) promises huge contributions to national development. Which of these initiatives really help Namibian citizens, and will they sustain the country in the long run?
This is not an easy question to answer. In the month of September, on World Tourism Day, we hosted a thought-provoking webinar on this complex and difficult topic, “Tourism & Conservation VS Green Hydrogen/Oil”. We invited experts from different fields to discuss the complexities of balancing environmental conservation with Namibia’s ambitions for economic development. The conversation was led by Mr Prosper Mageza, a PhD candidate in management sciences at the University of Innsbruck and an expert in sustainable governance, tourism, and business development. He was joined by two other experts, Ms Mmatsatsi Ramawela, director of Africa Tourism Connect, and Mr Farai Mutondoro, coordinator of the African Institute of Environmental Law. NYCE Vice president, Tristan Kölling, moderated the session.
African countries have great potential for sustainable development. We learned that Namibia ranks sixth among Africa’s top 10 tourism destinations and is recognised as one of the world’s emerging tourism markets. Tourism plays a vital role in the Namibian economy, contributing both directly and indirectly. The nation’s focus on ecotourism, community-based tourism, and the emerging cruise ship tourism sector gives it a competitive edge. However, the growth of these sectors is threatened by challenges like corruption, inflation and mismanagement. Despite these obstacles, tourism remains a stable economic pillar.
During the webinar, Mr. Mageza presented an analysis of critical challenges in the oil industries in other African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda and Libya, highlighting common issues like foreign ownership and corruption. He cautioned that Namibia could face similar challenges if it ventures into oil production without proper governance and regulatory frameworks in place. He also raised concerns about the environmental impact and skills gap that would come with such projects. However, Mr. Mageza indicated that green hydrogen – if developed in parts of the country that are not ecologically sensitive – could offer a path to industrialisation without the environmental destruction linked to oil, if long-term sustainable markets exist for this product.
So then, can Namibia strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection?
One of the key questions raised during the discussion was how Namibia can strike a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. While green hydrogen projects are expected to generate approximately 43,000 jobs annually over the next 14 years, this may not be enough to significantly reduce the country’s high unemployment rate, especially with a rapidly growing population. Further, the market for this product in the long-term is far from guaranteed, putting these jobs at risk. If Namibia’s population increases by another million over the next decade, the anticipated job creation might still fall short in addressing the employment gap. The oil industry also comes with its own set of challenges, including inequitable revenue distribution, where a significant portion of profits often goes to foreign suppliers, leaving host countries with a smaller share. So then, what makes us think that it can work for us?
Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has been criticised for permitting mining and green hydrogen activities in protected areas, undermining the very purpose of conservancies and national parks in the first place. These protected areas were established to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development that benefits local communities. Tourism and conservation, when properly managed, can offer an avenue for mitigating the environmental risks posed by large-scale energy projects.
Conclusion:
Striking a balance between economic development and environmental preservation remains a challenge in Namibia and the rest of the world. However, proper governance, transparency, and the integration of new technology and best practices can help mitigate negative impacts. The discussion concluded with emphasis on the importance of face-to-face engagements in discussing the impacts of hydrogen and oil projects on natural environments and the tourism industry. Our speakers called for greater collaboration among governments, private sectors, and communities, particularly in addressing the environmental and economic challenges Namibia faces. Namibian youth are encouraged to actively spearhead such discussions to influence policies that will shape Namibia’s future. The journey ahead will require careful consideration of the country’s immediate needs and long-term goals, as it navigates the challenges of conserving its natural heritage, alleviating household poverty and pursuing sustainable industrial development.