What future for Namibia? Reflection on tourism in a natural and cultural delicate environment

img_7462Thanks to the work of tour leader (and interpreter) in Namibia for Viaggigiovani.it I had the opportunity to live in this country for about a month and a half working with the local operator Chameleon Safaris.

Namibia is a country with a tragic history and past, one of the many African countries who are victims of unscrupulous colonizers but that dramatic story has managed to go further and start a new life, peaceful life without problems and difficulties. It is said to be one of the hottest countries in South Africa, it seems strange to be seen by our Western / European eyes but there are few people who decide to leave the country, many more who come from other states because here we are He feels right at home, greeted. Because this country has other things to think about, other emergencies to deal with, such as poverty and lack of water. Water in our country is wasted daily here is a very precious asset and we realize it also by staying in a simple guesthouse where there are signs in every room that ask tourists to make showers no longer than 5 minutes.

Or you will notice it by observing the landscape that for almost 3 years does not receive abundant and useful rainfall when you meet women who will ask you not only water but also simply your containers, because they will be very useful for water transport when later Having walked for maybe 7 km will find a well.

Like any Third World country, the tourist or traveler will not only be able to admire splendid landscapes and wildlife but will face poverty, not extreme and dramatic poverty typical of African countries (with the exception of South Africa) but equally capable of Close the mouth of your stomach. How can you stay indifferent to the eyes of a baby who asks for something to eat or to a woman who, seeing so many water containers, despair to have one of them empty to put water? Things that do not seem important to us, which we do not pay attention to when we take out a gallon of 5 liters what to do if we do not throw it because it puts too much space in the vehicle we’re traveling to? This episode made me understand how important it is that travelers and tourists traveling to these places are sensitive to these issues or that they learn from these to become the best people. I had the same feeling when I asked Cuba for soap, and when I went to the supermarkets and were almost empty after that trip, the consumerism that I hated so much seemed to me, even more, trident after seeing the situation in which the Cubans live.

Because the trip should also serve this purpose: to make reflections, to learn and to improve ourselves, to open our minds without thinking of being better than others is because we have a different life. Travel and good tourism should only be an exchange of knowledge or cultures at least as an opportunity for the traveler to know the reality of the small part of the world he is visiting as a kind of anthropic field lesson in the field.

I think tourism when healthy is a good way to move local economies, to help people, and thus making such a trip to such places the best thing is to meet and interact as closely as possible with locals, and Perhaps we can help them that we can buy local crafts, give them food, water, clothes, medicine, buy souvenirs that fund female and youth entrepreneurship projects, this is the best way to do good tourism. Certainly, it’s a drop in the ocean and for some, it’s a way to clear up the consciences, but it’s a good way to help people and do something for those less fortunate people than us.

The relationship between the environment, animals and humans is even more delicate if climatic conditions are adverse and it is amazing to see how many animals have adapted to such a hostile environment and even the fog we are so annoyed in Reality is a precious natural phenomenon because it contains moisture and serves plants and therefore animals. A trip to this country means seeing and touching the importance of these balances, the relationship between man, animals and nature in the territorial context in which they are located.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.