From a humble beginning in 1962, Gobabeb has established itself over 50 years as proud centre of research and education – making valuable contributions to Namibia’s national knowledge base as well as to the international scientific community.

Gobabeb is synonymous with the Namib Desert, a unique environment that encompasses vast panoramas of majestic landscapes in a striking range of diverse, fascinating plant and animal life, distinct in its beauty and aesthetic charm.  Gobabeb lies in the middle of this pristine environment, 160 km inland from the nearest coastal harbor town of Walvis Bay, in a 100 year long conservation area – the Namib Naukluft Nature Park.   It is an outstanding example of the well researched geological, geomorphologic, ecological and biological desert landscape processes.

For the past fifty years since its inception the centre’s key aim is to facilitate and promote field oriented research taking advantage of the unique characteristics of the Namib Desert.  The centre is also taking part in a leading role for the sustainable practices through natural resource management in arid environments throughout Namibia, the SADC region and internationally.   For the future the intention is to strengthen the centre by continuing to expand knowledge and understanding of the local, national and global environment, and to enhance its capacity to contribute towards a sustainable desert environment.

By: Inge A. Henschel (Gobabeb Research and Training Centre, Librarian)

For more information please contact us at [email protected] and www.gobabeb.org