World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocating for its sustainable use. As one of the driest countries south of the Sahara Desert, Namibia faces unique water security challenges. This annual event highlights the urgency of water conservation, especially for Namibia, where water is life in sensitive landscapes of intricately connected communities and ecosystems.
Water recycling plant at Palmwag Lodge & Camp.
Gondwana Collection Namibia has a long-standing commitment to sustainably utilising Namibia’s freshwater sources, highlighted in our Environmental Strategy. In 2010, Gondwana’s first wastewater recycling plant was built at Namib Desert Lodge. Since then, 90% of Gondwana’s lodges have been equipped with wastewater recycling plants, reducing overall water consumption by more than half. The water is treated and re-used to irrigate lodge gardens, boasting indigenous trees and shrubs, as part of our water-wise landscaping initiatives. At Namib Desert Lodge, treated water is further released to assist in recharging the underground aquifer.
Sprayer in the garden of Namib Desert Lodge.
Environmental education forms a vital component of environmental stewardship. Gondwana provides annual environmental education training to its lodges, as well as encourages guests to use water wisely. With the Gondwana Training Academy, employees can further undertake environmental sustainability research projects to enhance lodge-specific practices. In 2024, Canyon Lodge’s Maintenance Manager Sunny Abraham optimised water efficiency in the lodge’s fruit and vegetable gardens, reducing the garden’s water consumption by up to 56% - more than half!
Canyon Lodge's lawn is watered with recycled waste water.
Lodge water usage is tracked through an online, interactive platform which fosters pro-activity and allows for real-time monitoring of water efficiency. Since 2020, Gondwana’s water usage per person per day has decreased from 901 litres to 588 litres! This gradual decrease in water usage comes as a result of our long-standing dedication to utilising Namibia’s limited freshwater sustainably, coupled with water-wise techniques and sharing knowledge on the challenges, solutions, and importance of water conservation in Namibia.
World Water Day is closely linked to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for communities and the environment. With Namibia’s recent abundant rainfall, many of the country’s ephemeral river ecosystems are in flood, along with underground aquifers receiving much needed replenishment. While the environment receives some relief, we remain committed to water efficiency and saving initiatives to further strengthen the balance between freshwater utilised by people while ensuring its availability for the environment – because every drop counts.
Author: Monique Tredoux
Photos: Gondwana Collection Namibia