Namibia has made waves in the global conservation community with its remarkable performance in the recent Great Southern Bioblitz event. This four-day event, which saw the participation of scientists, naturalists, and volunteers across the southern hemisphere, witnessed Namibia secure 10th place out of 138 projects from over 20 countries, and an impressive sixth place out of the 37 projects registered in southern Africa.

The leading project hailed from Overstrand in the Western Cape of South Africa, where dedicated teams meticulously documented almost 15,000 observations, unveiling over 2,000 confirmed species. The event aimed to survey all living organisms within designated areas, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity present across the globe.

Gillian Maggs-Kölling, representing the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute, lauded Namibia’s achievement, revealing that multiple observer teams ventured into the Zambezi region, logging an astounding 5,400 observations encompassing more than 1,000 species of plants and animals. The data was meticulously recorded on the citizen science platform iNaturalist, allowing users to upload photographs and seek assistance in species identification from a vast network of experts and volunteer naturalists worldwide.

Maggs-Kölling further emphasized the collaborative effort involving Wildlife Management and Ecotourism Studies students from the University of Namibia (Unam) and local schools. Notably, the teams also conducted educational sessions on biodiversity, reaching out to 200 students from five schools at Katima Mulilo, thus nurturing a deeper understanding of the ecological tapestry among the youth.

The Great Southern Bioblitz events not only serve to draw attention to the rich tapestry of biodiversity on Earth but also foster public engagement with nature, providing scientists with invaluable insights into species distribution within various ecosystems.

Laura Erculei, principal at Wild Kids Academy, expressed delight at the academy’s involvement, affirming that the event proved to be an enriching experience for the pupils, fostering a profound connection with nature and igniting a passion for conservation. Punaete Kandjii, a student of wildlife management and ecotourism at Unam, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in instilling a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship.

Acknowledging the support received, Maggs-Kölling mentioned the backing from the United Nations Development Programme, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism facilitating access to national parks. She also noted the phenomenal expansion of the Great Southern Bioblitz, encompassing diverse entities and individuals across three continents in the southern hemisphere.

Namibia’s exemplary performance in the Great Southern Bioblitz stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship. This achievement not only shines a spotlight on Namibia’s rich natural heritage but also sets a stirring example for global environmental initiatives, offering a glimpse of hope for the preservation of our planet’s natural wonders.