NAMIBRAND CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (NRCF)
 |
The
NamibRand Conservation Foundation (NRCF) is a not-for-profit
organisation. It seeks to promote and assist in any way with
environmental conservation, education and research undertaken on the
NamibRand Nature Reserve and the south-western Namib region. The NRCF
seeks to achieve this aim through the following objectives:
- To support the education of decision makers,
the
general public and young people in conservation of the environment and
sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
- To support and raise funds for environmental
research
and education targeting ecosystem conservation and the protection of
biodiversity.
|
The main beneficiaries of the NRCF to date are the NamibRand Desert
Research and Awareness Centre (NRAC) and the Namib Desert Environmental
Education Trust (NaDEET).
ADOPT-A-FAIRY-CIRCLE
Mysterious bare circles in the sand dot the landscape along the edge of
the Namib Desert stretching from the north-western Cape into southern
Angola. These bare patches have been named “fairy circles.”
These circles, which support little flora, are an integral part of the
distinctive landscape of NamibRand Nature Reserve. Dune valleys and
grassy plains are often speckled with fairy circles, making NamibRand
the ideal place to view these unique phenomena.
|
Fairy circle valley
|
|
Numbered disk of fairy circle
|
While numerous scientists have researched these circles, no one has yet
been able to ultimately determine their cause or purpose. Various
theories of their origin have been suggested, including euphorbia
poisoning, animal dust baths, meteor showers, termites and underground
gas vents.
In the modern world of advanced research, innovative technology and
information networks, it is refreshing to know that Nature can still
keep some of her secrets.
You can add to your experience on NamibRand by adopting a fairy circle.
All funds raised through this program go directly to the NamibRand
Conservation Foundation. For a donation of N$500 you can adopt a circle
for yourself or someone else. A numbered disk will be placed in your
specially chosen circle and you will receive a certificate
acknowledging your donation and recording the exact GPS-coordinates of
your fairy circle.
To adopt a fairy circel or to donate to the NamibRand Conservation
Foundation, please refer to the address at the bottom of this page.
NAMIBRAND DESERT RESEARCH AND AWARENESS
CENTRE (NRAC)
The NRAC has recently been established on NamibRand and seeks to
provide support and guidance for local, regional and international
researchers and provides funding for research focusing on management
issues. The Centre provides accommodation and other facilities for
visiting researchers. The Centre has established partnerships with
renowned local and international research institutions and works in
conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, feeding back
into national research. An interpretive/awareness centre is being
developed as part of NRAC, targeting decision and policy makers and
other audiences, to highlight the importance of conservation and
sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
NAMIB DESERT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
TRUST (NaDEET)
Namib Desert Environmental Education
Trust (NaDEET)
NaDEET is a non-profit organisation aimed to empower Namibians to make
decisions for a sustainable future. They invite school, youth and
educator groups to participate in a unique hands-on, experiential
environmental learning programme at NaDEET Centre. NaDEET aims:
- To provide environmental education for learners and
educators of Namibia based in the Namib Desert.
- To build capacity at all levels of the environmental
education sector.
- To engage in education, advocacy and awareness of the
critical role of sustainable living.
Learners from the Oanob
Primary School at NaDEET
APODT A
FAIRY CIRCLE or CONTACT US
We welcome your support. Your adoption of
a fairy circle will ensure that the NamibRand Conservation Foundation
can continue to support conservation in this unique area of Namibia
through deserving awareness, education and research initiatives. In
addition, you will have a small piece of NamibRand to take home with
you.
|
|
|
Danica Shaw
Chief Executive Officer
NamibRand Conservation Foundation
Tel: +264-61-224882
Fax: +264-61-225811
nrcf@namibrand.org |
 |
