CEO NOTE: 18 December 2020
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RANT WARNING: OK, so if ongoing tests look promising they are going to drill for oil and frack large swathes of land in the northern reaches of the fragile Okavango Delta. The massive Namibian oil concession, owned by a Canadian company, is on the Kavango River and smack bang in the Kavango Basin – a vital feeder to the Delta.
Need I even mention the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the thriving tourism industry, the artisanal fishing that is the lifeblood for local people – amongst the many vital aspects of this region that are now at risk? Oh, and the oil concession area will cut off the vital migration path for KAZA region elephants moving between Botswana, Namibia and Angola. The same elephants that are causing untold human misery in Botswana because their former migration routes are cut off by human activities such as this. It has been suggested that this particular migration route may be the only sustainable solution to the ‘elephant problem’ in Botswana. The environmental impact assessment was found to fall short of legal requirements – no surprises there. Expect the usual mining industry smoke and mirrors as this issue plays itself out on the world stage and in courtrooms.
At what point do governments stop strangling the goose that lays the golden eggs? Is Namibia so DESPERATE that it is prepared to sell the country from beneath its citizens and slash Botswana’s throat – all for a bit of cash and a handful of jobs? Our first story below refers.
In our second story, we delve into research about that age-old rivalry between two of Africa’s APEX predators. Those lucky enough to witness lions and hyenas slugging it out will understand how fierce and bloody this rivalry is.
Let’s finish off this week with a CELEBRATION! Check out the stunning images in our third story below. My only trip to Gorongosa some years back left me awed at the beauty and biodiversity of this special place.
Festive season greetings to you all. We will publish a newsletter on Christmas Day – so please keep an eye on your emails.
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/paradise-is-closing-down-the-ghastly-spectre-of-oil-drilling-and-fracking-in-fragile-okavango-delta/
FRACK THE OKAVANGO
A Canadian company has secured massive concessions – oil drilling & fracking loom on the horizon in Namibia and Botswana
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/arch-enemies-new-research-on-lions-vs-hyenas/
ARCH ENEMIES
Lions vs hyenas is the ultimate African drama. New research has shed light on the dynamics between these two apex predators
Story 3
https://africageographic.com/stories/gorongosa-in-images/
GORONGOSA !
We celebrate the vibrant Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique in this epic gallery of images
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
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