Dark sky tourism and sustainable development in Namibia
Hannah Dalgleish, Getachew Mengistie, Michael Backes, Garret Cotter, Eli Kasai
EEducation and Heritage in the era of Big Data in AstronomyProceedings IAU Symposium No. 367, 2020R.M. Ros, B. Garcia, S. Gullberg, J. Moldon & P. Rojo, eds. © Dark sky tourism and sustainabledevelopment in Namibia
Hannah S. Dalgleish , , Getachew M. Mengistie , Michael Backes , ,Garret Cotter , and Eli K. Kasai Dept. of Physics, University of Namibia, Pionierspark, Windhoek, Namibia Dept. of Physics, University of Oxford, Keble Rd, Oxford, OX1 3RH, UK Centre for Space Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africaemail: [email protected]
Abstract.
Namibia is world-renowned for its incredibly dark skies by the astronomy community,and yet, the country is not well recognised as a dark sky destination by tourists and travellers.Forged by a collaboration between the Universities of Oxford and Namibia, together we areusing astronomy as a means for capacity-building and sustainable socio-economic growth viaeducating tour guides and promoting dark sky tourism to relevant stakeholders.
Keywords. dark sky tourism, astrotourism, Namibia, Africa, sustainable development, lightpollution, capacity building.
1. Introduction
Dark sky tourism (DST) attracts visitors to remote, unlit areas to observe celestialobjects. Stargazing activities are carried out aided (with binoculars or telescopes) orunaided (with the naked-eye) and can be accompanied by other activities like astropho-tography or storytelling. DST has been found to further many of the UN’s seventeenSustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which can help serve as a guide to implementdark sky experiences in a sustainable way (Dalgleish & Bjelajac 2021; Fig. 1).DST contributes to the SDGs under all branches of sustainability. Economically, DSTcan generate significant income, providing jobs and extending tourism activity into off-peak times (Mitchell & Gallaway 2019; SDG 8—decent work and economic growth).Environmentally, the minimisation of artificial night at light prevents interference withfreshwater, marine, and terrestrial wildlife (Davies & Smyth 2017; SDGs 14 and 15—life below water and life on land). Socially, DST presents educational opportunities fortourists and local residents, covering topics from astrophysics and light pollution to in-digenous knowledge (Blundell et al. 2020; SDG 4—quality education); and empowerswomen in rural, underprivileged areas (see e.g. the
Astrostays project; SDGs 5 and 10—gender equality and reduced inequalities). Stargazing also promotes health, well-beingand connectedness with nature (Bell et al. 2014; SDG 3—good health and well-being).
2. Dark sky tourism in Namibia
The second least densely populated country in the world, Namibia has minimal lightpollution and is therefore very well-suited to dark sky experiences. Namibia is vast witha wide array of climates; some areas (e.g. Sossusvlei) rarely experience cloud cover year-round, and thus, clear and dark skies can be found even during the wet (summer) season.A few lodges and “astrofarms” already take advantage of the country’s pristine skies,which are especially attractive to amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. Africa’s1 a r X i v : . [ a s t r o - ph . I M ] F e b Hannah S. Dalgleish et al.
Figure 1.
Dark sky tourism and its relationship with the SDGs (Dalgleish & Bjelajac 2021). first International Dark Sky Reserve can also be found in Namibia, at the NamibRandNature Reserve. Thus, there is ample opportunity to extend and promote dark sky ac-tivities across the country, especially across wider tourist demographics.In order to grow dark sky tourism sustainably, we have been working from both abottom-up and top-down approach. For the former, we are developing a course comprisingfive main sections: (1) our place in the Universe, (2) astrophysics research in Namibia,(3) indigenous Namibian star lore, (4) practical astronomy, and (5) light pollution andsustainability. We will be delivering the course to Namibian tour guides in 2021, whileensuring that the content is adaptable for use by similar projects in other countries.We are also exploring options for delivering the course online. At the same time, we areworking with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, as well as tourismassociations and other relevant stakeholders, in order to establish Namibia as a countryat the forefront of DST.In summary, astronomy provides a unique opportunity to build human capacity anddiversify income generation in remote areas. Equally, dark sky tourism is well alignedwith the 21st century ethos that tourism needs to be ecofriendly and sustainable. DSTcomes with many benefits, such as an increased awareness and understanding of science,environmental conservation (e.g. light pollution), and the celebration and preservation ofindigenous heritage. These can all help to open up new avenues toward more meaningfuland sustainable tourism practices.
Acknowledgements.
This project is supported by the UKRI STFC Global Chal-lenges Research Fund project ST/S002952/1 and Exeter College, Oxford.
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