Exploring Damaraland for investment opportunities
Our ten-day exploratory trip to Namibia's Damaraland felt like a journey back in time, to a world where nature's raw beauty remained untouched by human interference. Three members of the Natural Capital team embarked on this adventure, loaded into a double cab cruiser filled with camping equipment, maps, and cameras to capture the arid landscape's splendour.
From the moment we left the hustle and bustle of Walvis Bay behind, we were greeted by the vastness of Damaraland. Endless stretches of rugged wilderness, punctuated by dramatic rock formations, rolled out before us like a canvas waiting to be explored. Our mission was clear: to identify potential concession areas for investment, places where Natural Capital could bring in investors to bolster community-led initiatives that preserve and protect these pristine habitats.
As we journeyed deeper into the heart of Damaraland, we encountered moments of profound serenity that reminded us of why we do what we do. One such moment was the sighting of the elusive endemic black rhino. There, amidst the harsh terrain, stood this magnificent creature, a symbol of resilience and survival. We watched in awe, grateful for the opportunity to witness such a rare and magical sight.
Black Rhino (c) James Kydd
Another unforgettable experience was encountering a lone elephant bull amidst the harsh desert landscape. This gentle giant moved with a grace that belied his size, and for a few precious moments, we felt a connection to the wild that words can scarcely describe. His presence was a poignant reminder of the importance of our mission—to ensure that these creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
Perhaps the most serene moment of all was when we stumbled upon an unexpected oasis. Deep within the arid Namib landscape, we found palms and pans of water, a lifeline in an otherwise harsh environment. It was a place of quiet beauty, where time seemed to stand still. We sat by the water's edge, soaking in the tranquility of the scene and reflecting on the significance of our work.
Flamingos (c) James Kydd
Each day brought new discoveries and challenges. At night we camped under a blanket of stars, the silence of the desert enveloping us, reminding us of the fragile balance of this ecosystem. Our maps guided us through this otherworldly landscape, while our cameras captured it’s breathtaking scenery, each photograph a testament to Damaraland's untamed natural beauty.
As our ten-day exploration came to an end, we felt a deep sense of fulfillment. We had investigated potential concessions and true wilderness areas that held immense promise for conservation investment. The sights and experiences we gathered would help us make a compelling case to investors, showing them the urgent need to protect these areas and the incredible biodiversity they harbor.
Returning to the bustle of everyday life, we carried with us the memories of Damaraland's serene landscapes and majestic desert-adapted wildlife. The trip reinforced our commitment to Natural Capital's mission, inspiring us to work even harder to secure investments that will safeguard these wilderness areas for future generations.
