Namibia is internationally known for its untouched nature and fascinating wildlife. This is no coincidence, as the protection of the environment and nature conservation are enshrined in the Namibian Constitution. Almost half of the country is under conservation management. Close to 20 percent are state-run national parks; another nearly 20 percent are communal conservancies and the rest privately-owned nature parks.
On 10 June 2021, the first comprehensive guidebook to Namibia’s parks in almost 30 years has been launched. Due to the current Covid-19 predicament the official launch event had to be cancelled. Namibia Nature Parks by Helge Denker showcases 22 state-protected areas and two large private nature reserves, and offers an overview of the community conservation areas that maintain wildlife habitat between the parks.
For each of the featured protected areas, this intimate, in-depth guide provides detailed portrayals of landscapes and geomorphology, fauna and flora, history, current conservation priorities, research initiatives and findings, what happens beyond the parks’ boundaries. Other features include among others fact sheets and detailed park maps showing all visitor routes as well as fascinating and informative nature notes, travel tips and other important information.
Namibia Nature Parks is a conservation initiative. The proceeds from the book will support community conservation in Namibia. The funds will be administered by the Gondwana Care Trust. The compilation of the book is a private-sector initiative, made possible by Gondwana Collection Namibia and the author Helge Denker, with the Capricorn Group funding the printing of the first edition of 2,000 copies.
The project is also an extension to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism's information materials for Namibia's state-protected areas. During 2016–2017, Helge Denker compiled a series of guide maps for the Ministry, portraying most of Namibia’s state parks. The Namibia Nature Parks guidebook works in synergy with these guide maps, by providing more comprehensive information and featuring all state-protected areas, thereby filling a crucial information gap.
The author of this beautifully illustrated guidebook, Helge Denker was born in Namibia and has spent his life working either directly in, or on projects related to, its wildlife and wild spaces. His work as an artist-naturalist, guide, photographer, writer and development consultant has taken him on extended field assignments to most parts of the country. He has published well over 100 popular articles and has written extensively on environmental issues, community conservation and wildlife crime.
For nature lovers, who don’t want to miss out on any hidden treasures in Namibia’s beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, the new guidebook Namibia Nature Parks by Helge Denker can be ordered at The Narrative Namibia online shop (N$490.00). As from next week it will also be available at Gondwana lodges and in bookstores in Namibia.
Namibia Nature Parks
Guidebook by Helge Denker
Windhoek. June 2021.
ISBN: 978-99916-994-0-0
Book specifications:
Softcover
170 mm width by 235 mm height
436 pages plus cover
650 illustrations (photos, maps, sketches)
2,000 copies printed for first edition