Wednesday, June 13, 2012

New book highlights Namibias coastal treasures

SWAKOPMUND - A new book, “Namibia’s Coast; Ocean Riches and Desert Treasures,” was launched last week by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Namibian Coast Conservation and Management (Nacoma) project in Swakopmund.
The book was compiled over a period of six years and cost N$300 000 to print.
According to Rod Braby, the book profiles the rich heritage sites and scenery that make Namibia a unique tourist destination.
The book showcases information collected by Nacoma and other published information on the Benguela Current and the desert, highlighting the importance of where the icy waters of the South-East Atlantic connect with the burning shores of Namibia.
The objective of the Nacoma project is to improve awareness of coastal biodiversity, environmental challenges and the coastal resource value, as well as to promote and develop the concept of the Namibian Integrated Coastal Management System.
The book also seeks to improve management, understanding and appreciation of the coast by providing information to a wide audience of managers, students, tourists, entrepreneurs and the general public.
Nacoma has implemented over 400 separate awareness activities over the past years and in addition has developed a user-friendly website.
“Namibia’s Coast; Ocean Riches and Desert Treasures,” is a 192-page book of well-illustrated useful content for multiple end users. The book is produced by Raison (Research and Information Services of Namibia) and is published by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism through the Nacoma project.
Co-authors of the book are Tony Robertson, Alice Jarvis, John Mendelsohn and Ro-ger Swart. They were also responsible for the publication of the Namibian Atlas.
Sany le Roux did the design and layout.
The publication portrays the Namibian coast as a rugged, sometimes bleak and forbidden, largely uninhabited area that is a fascinating and complex mix of riches and paucity.
The warm and dry Namib Desert stands in stark contrast to the cold waters of the Benguela Current that is extremely biologically productive.
In combination, the ocean and desert provide a harsh and spectacular environment that remains largely pristine.
Complimentary books will be distributed to key coastal stakeholders such as schools, universities and local and regional councils.
The book will also be available in several bookshops around the country in due course. Proceeds from the sales will be used to reprint the book.

Derived from the: New Era
Story by Eveline de Klerk
          

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