NBRI Core Functions

Core Functions: Subdivision NBRI

Plan, design and conduct inventories of the botanical resources of Namibia
Undertake research on the vegetation, flora and plant genetic resources of Namibia, in accordance with overall objectives of the Division, Directorate and Ministry
Collect, collate, capture, analyse and interpret data pertaining to botanical resources
Prepare and disseminate tangible outputs from research and inventory activities
Promote the development of indigenous plants with economic potential
Supply needs-driven botanical information
Provide a plant identification service
Curate and maintain national plant collections
Cultivate awareness and instil appreciation of Namibia's floral heritage
Collaborate in relevant national, regional and international initiatives, networks and programmes
Analyse, interpret and advise on international instruments and provide appropriate input when required as a national responsibility of ratification
Advise, inform and assist MAWF Management, colleagues and clients on all matters pertaining to plant resources, especially as relating to policy and legislation
Undertake environmental monitoring through input into review of environmental impact assessments, and research and collecting permits
Maintain comprehensive botanical reference library as part of National Agriculture and Water Information Centre

Curate the National Plant Reference Collection
Conduct inventories of the indigenous flora
Undertake fieldwork to previously neglected areas to ensure that the National Collection is representative of the Namibian flora
Undertake biosystematic studies of flagship taxa
Create, update and manage information databases on the Namibian flora
Produce and publish an updated English version of the Flora of Namibia
Maintain literature collection relevant to the taxonomy of Namibian plants
Provide a plant identification service
Facilitate the provision of plant material to international experts undertaking bona fide taxonomic research
Provide taxonomic backstopping to the development of plant products
Analyse floristic information for national development and planning purposes
Participate in national, regional and international initiatives pertaining to plant taxonomy/biosystematics

Prepare and execute germplasm collecting missions
Process and store collected and multiplied germplasm
Curate and maintain national plant genetic resources collection and database
Monitor viability of germplasm accessions
Multiply or regenerate accessions in collection
Conserve local plant genetic resources through in situ methods
Provide a procurement service for germplasm to researchers from other genebanks
Provide Namibian germplasm to bona fide users world-wide
Create awareness on value of local plant genetic resources
Promote utilisation of local plant genetic resources
Participate in national, regional and international initiatives pertaining to plant genetic resources

Support and promote the sustainable use and the commercialisation of indigenous flora
Generate and make available information pertaining to utilisation of indigenous plants
Determine sustainability strategies by conducting resource base assessments and liaising with the relevant authorities in the monitoring of off-take from natural populations
Promote the propagation of utilised indigenous plant resources by smallholder farmers and others to address concerns about the sustainability of commercial plant material supply and as an integral part of a national agro-diversification programme
Participate in national, regional and international initiatives pertaining to indigenous plant use and development
Investigate opportunities and participate in feasibility assessments for plant product development with stakeholders
Generally engage in and co-ordinate activities relating to the development of plant products from indigenous plants

Map and describe different vegetation types of Namibia, based on field data, including species composition, structure, abundance and habitat of such vegetation types.
Monitor the long-term development of natural vegetation, especially regarding compositional changes as a result of climate change and/or land use effects.
Make information available to planners and land users regarding the vegetation resources of an area.
Provide information regarding sensitive ecological systems, considering the interrelationship between abiotic (habitat) and biotic (vegetation) ecosystem components.
Undertake eco-physiological studies in order to understand ecological processes related to plant / soil interactions.
Undertake aut-ecological studies on various indigenous plant species as inputs to:
- an assessment to the sustainable use (harvesting) of species used for traditional and/or medicinal uses
- possible re-introduction measures for future reclamation of badlands

» Read more about Vegetation Ecology

Investigate opportunities and negotiate bilateral co-operation in plant product development
Promote the commercialisation of indigenous flora
Participate in feasibility assessments for plant product development
Generally co-ordinate activities in the development of plant products
Promote the cultivation of such products by small holder farmers as an integral part of a national agrodiversification programme
Generate information pertaining to utilisation of indigenous plants
Undertake resource assessments and situation analyses
Liaise with the relevant authorities in the monitoring of off-take from natural populations
Participate in national, regional and international initiatives pertaining to indigenous plant use and development

Provide support to research activities at the NBRI by sourcing required references
Provide information on Namibian flora and related subjects to a wide variety of customers
Maintain and expand botanical book, journal, reprint, and slide collections
Input data and maintain databases pertaining to the library collections
Maintain a user-friendly environment to encourage the use of the facilities
Design and construct displays on various botanical themes for awareness creation

» Read more about Threatened Plants