The Year that was for the Gondwana Care Trust
As 2024 comes to an end, Zipporah Nandjala, the Gondwana Care Trust Coordinator, finds...
In line with our Sustainability philosophy, we are committed to implementing water-wise initiatives at our Gondwana properties. From treating and recycling water used at our properties to utilising water-efficient devices and promoting water-saving awareness, we understand that every drop counts.
We are resolute in our various efforts to safeguard Namibia’s precious water resources. In a country as arid as Namibia where water is a scarce resource, these initiatives both honour unique environmental thresholds and inspire us to maintain and further our efforts in efficient water usage.
At Gondwana Collection Namibia, we are dedicated to sustainably managing our water footprint. Discover our water-wise initiatives, and how you can help ensure that every drop counts.
In Namibia, predominantly an arid landscape and one of the driest countries south of the Sahara, water resources sustain life amidst the vast desert terrains. The country’s aridity, coupled with unpredictable rainfall patterns and scattered aquifers – which are underground freshwater sources – wise and sustainable water management is imperative to maintain balanced, verdant ecosystems in the landscapes we operate in.
Water resources play a significant role in shaping Namibia’s diverse landscapes. With sporadic rainfall increasing from southwest to northeast and unevenly distributed aquifers, Namibia’s hydrological dynamics foster resilient yet delicate ecosystems. As Namibia’s Tourism and Hospitality sectors continue to rebound and expand, so does their environmental footprint and reliance upon natural resources. At Gondwana, we are dedicated to sustainably managing our water footprint by reducing reliance on freshwater and optimising efficient usage of the water resources entrusted to our care.
To enhance sustainability, 90% of Gondwana properties have to date been equipped with wastewater treatment and recycling plants, enabling the safe re-use of water on-site. This initiative alleviates pressure on Namibia’s limited freshwater sources, granting aquifers and the surrounding environment unhurried time for natural recharge through rainfall. This natural recharge is especially crucial in some of Namibia’s driest landscapes, such as the Fish River Canyon and the Namib and Kalahari Deserts which home our Fish River Canyon, Namib and Kalahari Collections, where every drop is a treasured rarity.
Treated water is recycled and used to irrigate lodge gardens which boast indigenous trees and shrubs, reducing overall water consumption by more than half. As indigenous trees and shrubs are historically acclimatised to Namibia’s aridity, they thrive resiliently in arid conditions. Water-efficient landscaping effortlessly promotes wise water usage, while enabling us to showcase Namibia’s unparalleled plant biodiversity.
We closely monitor water consumption at our lodges, such as freshwater usage, recycled water usage and volumes of water extracted from boreholes or perennial rivers. Each lodge reports data on their daily water usage and readings into an online, live and interactive platform. Live monitoring helps us detect potential faults or excess usage, allowing us to address avoidable issues promptly and proactively.
From guest rooms to lodge spaces, we utilise water-efficient devices and appliances to enhance wise water usage. Look out for awareness signage throughout our lodges, offering tips on how you can use water efficiently while enjoying a comfortable and memorable stay.
Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that every drop counts.
Gondwana Collection is committed to the philosophy, principles, and pursuit of sustainable development and wise environmental management. This commitment is reflected in our adoption of an Environmental Overview Policy, which outlines Gondwana’s strategies for environmental management and ensures that approaches are aligned with its sustainability philosophy. Amongst the environmental management aspects covered in the policy, water efficiency is particularly important, especially in Namibia.
Gondwana’s Environmental and Social Impact (ESI) Team monitors daily water usage and consumption at its lodges through an online, live and interactive platform. In combination with assessing lodge occupancy, potential leaks or excessive usage can be detected and promptly addressed. In efforts to reduce reliance on Namibia’s freshwater sources and recycle used freshwater, Gondwana has equipped 90% of its lodges to date with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Used freshwater is pumped back into the WWTP and undergoes various treatment stages, such as trickle filtering and biological treatment by microorganisms that break down remaining organic matter. Grey water, tested and confirmed to be safe for reuse, waters lodge gardens that feature indigenous plants. Indigenous plants are adapted to Namibia’s arid climate, requiring less water than non-indigenous plants, and can therefore maximise their water efficiency. Watering gardens during early mornings and late evenings also reduces water lost through evaporation when the sun is at its hottest during the day. Furthermore, by utilising water-efficient and water-saving devices throughout lodge kitchens, laundries, guest rooms, and staff accommodations, water usage is optimised, and consumption is reduced.
Gondwana further provides annual environmental training for employees at all its lodges, where training sessions include sharing analyses of each lodge’s water usage and consumption. These training sessions offer a platform for Gondwana’s ESI Team and each lodge to share information, strategize and further streamline water efficiency practices. Awareness signage is also up at all lodges to provide guidelines and reminders on wise water use for guests and employees.
To address these challenges, Gondwana emphasises the importance of water efficiency and conservation through its environmental education and awareness initiatives. Namibia is considered the driest country south of the Sahara. With a rainfall gradient that increases from arid southwest to humid northeast, vast areas, particularly across southern Namibia, experience extremely low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The Namib Desert, home to Gondwana’s Namib Collection, receives an annual rainfall average of 5 to 85 mm. The Kalahari Desert, where Gondwana’s Kalahari Collection is situated, receives an annual average of 150 to 250 mm. And, in Namibia’s far-reaching south, the Fish River Canyon landscape hosting Gondwana’s Canyon Collection receives an annual average of 50 to 200 mm. In these regions, extremely low and sporadic rainfall coupled with annual evaporation rates that range between 1,500 to 3,000 mm represents a water deficit, where the amount of water lost through evaporation surpasses the amount of water replenished through precipitation and other sources. As numerous Gondwana lodges are located in some of Namibia’s driest regions, the significance of water efficiency in these areas with sensitive ecological thresholds cannot be overstated.
Gondwana’s water efficiency initiatives have yielded positive results over the years. Since 2020, water usage per person per day (liters) has shown a steady decrease — from 901 liters in 2020 to 588 liters in 2023. This represents an approximate 34.7% decrease in water used per person per day at Gondwana lodges. Additionally, from 2020, 75% of all water used by employees and guests was recycled. These improvements come as a direct result of the company’s various water saving initiatives and continuous water conservation efforts from both employees and guests. By reducing overall reliance on freshwater for lodge operations, pressure is alleviated off each area’s water sources, leaving more water available for biodiversity and optimal ecosystem functioning. This reflects the positive implications that wise water use can have on the surrounding environment.
Our adoption of an Environmental Overview Policy aligns closely with Namibia’s national and international commitments to wise water use. Nationally, Namibia’s Water Policy and Strategic Plan and Water Resources Management Act emphasise sustainable water management and use, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. Internationally, Namibia’s commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) highlights the importance of water conservation and its sustainable management. By incorporating water efficiency into company policy and operations, Gondwana not only promotes responsible water use and management but also contributes to fulfilling the goals and principles outlined in Namibia’s various water conservation commitments. At its core, Gondwana is dedicated to honouring Namibia’s precious water resources and ecological thresholds, one drop of water at a time.
Namibia is considered the driest country south of the Sahara Desert. Here, being water wise is an essential part of the eco-conscious traveller’s journey. Incorporated into Gondwana’s Environmental Overview Policy, and promoted by its Sustainability philosophy, is water efficiency. At Gondwana lodges across Namibia, various water efficiency initiatives are implemented, honouring the sensitive ecological thresholds of Namibian landscapes while offering memorable guest experiences.
Why Namibia is Dry
Namibia is predominantly an arid country, due to a combination of environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, strong winds, sparse vegetation and bare soil, high solar radiation, and location along the cold Atlantic Ocean. The country’s average annual rainfall ranges from 25 mm in the extremely arid coastal Namib Desert to 600 mm in the humid northeast, characterised by sporadic rainfall events. In stark contrast, average annual evaporation rates across the country range from 1,500 to over 3,000 mm. This represents a water deficit where more water is lost through evaporation than is replenished naturally, urging wise water use in a country faced with severe water scarcity.
In Namibia, water is a precious commodity with limited time available for utilisation. Here is how to understand water in Namibia:
This leaves very low volumes of water available for use across Namibia’s landscapes, and by its biodiversity and communities. Fortunately, Gondwana has water efficiency initiatives in place to effectively and sustainably utilise water resources. While visiting Gondwana lodges, we invite you to join us in practicing water wisdom, so that you can truly champion your role as a water steward.
Make Every Drop Count
Take Mindful Showers: Not pertaining to taking longer, contemplative showers, this tip encourages you to be mindful of time spent in the shower. Consider optimising your shower time, as shorter showers can save a significant amount of water, reducing overall consumption. Contemplation may yield the best results in peaceful natural surroundings – look no further than a step outside of your guest room.
Utilise Shower Buckets: At Gondwana lodges like Etosha King Nehale and The Desert Grace, we provide shower buckets in guest rooms. Intended to collect excess shower water, especially as water becomes warmer, we encourage you to partake in this initiative to prevent water wastage. At the end of the day, a full bucket of water provides a visual testament of your commitment to water stewardship – a simple, yet significant water conservation effort on your part.
Turn Off the Tap: This is your gentle reminder to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, tightly. Additionally, you may opt to use the provided glasses in our guest rooms to rinse instead of letting the water run. The water saving potential of this tip is underestimated – join us in our efforts to practice what we preach.
Re-use Towels and Bed Linens: During your stay, you may opt to reuse your towels and bed linens. Like your favourite book, your towels and bed linens have more than one chapter to offer. This can help to conserve water by reducing the need for frequent laundering, and allows you to bookmark a time when you championed another simple, yet significant act of water stewardship.
Report Leaks Promptly: If you spot a drip, you can save the day. With your eyes that are eager for exploration, kindly report any sightings of potential leakage to lodge staff. Your prompt action can assist us in preventing further potential wastage, and your conscience will thank you.
Respect Water-Saving Signage: Keep an eye out for our water-saving signs throughout our lodges. These signs serve as subtle reminders to use water wisely during, and beyond, your stay with us.
Share With Us: Spread the word on wise water use. We value your unique perspectives and experiences in water-saving practices, and your input can complement our water-saving initiatives.
Your Intangible Impact
With most of Gondwana’s lodges located in some of the country’s driest landscapes, efficient and wise water usage is essential in ensuring the long-term viability of surrounding water resources. The impact of our water wise initiatives would not be possible without participation of our esteemed, eco-conscious guests, and we continue to promote water stewardship within and beyond our lodges.
Guest participation in water-saving initiatives aids our mission to manage and utilise water resources sustainably. By being water wise during your stay, you directly contribute to sustaining Namibia’s remarkable landscapes, biodiversity and communities. A timeless ripple effect is set forth, making you an integral part of water conservation in Namibia – how you make every drop count is your intangible impact.
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