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| Namibia's plants are not just pretty... | [Click to enlarge] |
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| ...they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitats and food. |
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| Namibian people depend on plants every day: for transport and livelihoods such as these traditional fishing boats, food, ... |
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| ... building materials, thatch, shade, fuel, ... |
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| ... household items, income generation, traditional medicines and more. |
Did you know?
- There are over 4,300 plant species in Namibia.
- Nearly 17% (almost 700) of these species are endemic (don't occur anywhere else in the world) and many more occur mainly in Namibia, with less than 25% of their numbers growing outside our borders.
- Areas of high plant diversity include the southern Namib, Kaokoveld, Otavi highland/Karstveld area, Okavango Basin and the Khomas highlands.
- Many species are threatened by habitat loss and/or illegal collecting. At least 23 species in Namibia are threatened with extinction.
- 39 areas of Namibia are considered internationally important because of their unique plants.
- The majority of Namibia's people depend directly on plants for their day-to-day subsistence.
- Many species of plants in Namibia are used for food, constructing houses, medicine etc. Several are already under commercial development.
- Pressure on our plants is growing as population and development increases.
Who are we?
The Botanical Society of Namibia is a dynamic group of people who have an interest in learning more about, and helping to conserve, Namibia's wonderful floral heritage.
What are we trying to do?
- Stimulate interest in, and awareness of, Namibia's indigenous plants
- Help to conserve our natural flora
- Support the National Botanical Research Institute, in particular the National Botanic Garden
- Promote sustainable development and use of Namibian plans and plant products
- Potentially ... much more
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