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Namibia

All articles tagged with #namibia

Namibia's Etosha Pan Blooms Into Five Rainbow Lagoons in NASA Image
science24 days ago

Namibia's Etosha Pan Blooms Into Five Rainbow Lagoons in NASA Image

NASA's Earth Observatory released a 2011 ISS photograph showing five transient, rainbow-colored lakes forming along the edge of Namibia's Etosha Pan after heavy rains caused flooding of the Ekuma and Oshigambo rivers. The colors arise from algae blooms in shallow, mineral-rich water, creating a vivid, temporary display on the salt flat that is ecologically important for local wildlife and migratory birds and will vanish as the water dries.

Lioness kills Namibian philanthropist and businessman at safari lodge
africa10 months ago

Lioness kills Namibian philanthropist and businessman at safari lodge

A businessman named Bernd Kebbel was killed by a lion at a luxury safari lodge in Namibia after stepping out of his tent to use the toilet, marking a rare and tragic wildlife attack in the region. The incident highlights the dangers posed by desert-adapted lions in Namibia's remote areas, where their numbers have recently declined due to drought and human conflict.

Namibia to Commemorate German Colonial Genocide with Memorial Day
world10 months ago

Namibia to Commemorate German Colonial Genocide with Memorial Day

Namibia is marking the first national day of remembrance for the German colonial genocide that occurred between 1904 and 1908, where over 70,000 Africans, mainly from the Ovaherero and Nama communities, were systematically murdered. The day aims to acknowledge the atrocities, reflect on the scars left, and pressure Germany for reparations, including a formal apology and land restitution. Despite Germany's recognition of the genocide and offers of development aid, many Namibians see these as insufficient and continue to seek justice and reparations for their ancestors.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Becomes Namibia's First Female President
politics1 year ago

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Becomes Namibia's First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party has been elected as Namibia's first female president, securing 57% of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Despite her victory, the opposition, led by Panduleni Itula of the IPC, plans to contest the results, citing voting irregularities. SWAPO, which has governed since Namibia's independence in 1990, saw its weakest performance yet, reflecting public dissatisfaction over unemployment and corruption. The election was also significant for international observers, particularly Germany, due to ongoing bilateral projects and historical reconciliation efforts.

Namibia High Court Decriminalizes Gay Sex in Landmark Ruling
lgbtq-rights1 year ago

Namibia High Court Decriminalizes Gay Sex in Landmark Ruling

In a landmark ruling, Namibia's high court has declared laws banning same-sex acts between men unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ rights. While same-sex marriage remains illegal, unions performed abroad are recognized if one partner is not a Namibian citizen. The ruling has been celebrated by activists and the UN, though concerns about backlash and safety for LGBTQ individuals persist.

"The Real-Life Wasteland: A Newbie's Guide to 'Fallout'"
entertainment2 years ago

"The Real-Life Wasteland: A Newbie's Guide to 'Fallout'"

The live-action TV adaptation of Fallout on Prime Video was filmed in Namibia on the Skeleton Coast, specifically in the ghost town of Kolmanskop, which provided a visually stunning and authentic Wasteland setting without the need for CGI. The dry climate of the Namib Desert has preserved the ruins, decorations, and furniture of the town, creating a desolate and immersive environment for the actors. Fallout season 1 is now available for streaming on Prime Video.

"Spotted Hyenas in Namibia Add Small Birds to Diverse Diet"
wildlife2 years ago

"Spotted Hyenas in Namibia Add Small Birds to Diverse Diet"

Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and the University of Ljubljana observed spotted hyenas in Namibia hunting and feeding on red-billed queleas, a type of passerine bird, at a waterhole in the Etosha National Park. The hyenas were observed chasing flying birds, picking them from the ground or water surface, and swallowing them whole at a rate of approximately one bird every three minutes. This behavior adds to the known variety of the spotted hyena diet and hunting tactics, demonstrating their flexibility and ability to exploit foraging opportunities and obtain food from unusual sources.

"Rescuing Seals: Battling Plastic Pollution in the Seas"
climate2 years ago

"Rescuing Seals: Battling Plastic Pollution in the Seas"

Ocean Conservation Namibia, a nonprofit group, has rescued around 3,000 seals entangled in marine garbage since 2020, with videos of its rescues becoming a sensation during the pandemic. The group, founded by Katja and Naude Dreyer, has garnered attention for its efforts in disentangling seals from fishing gear and other maritime garbage, highlighting the growing crisis of marine trash while providing a feel-good ending for the affected animals. Their work has been praised for its significant impact in addressing the issue of marine debris.