Threats to the environment

Error message

  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementBase::execute($args = [], $options = []) should either be compatible with PDOStatement::execute(?array $params = null): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2244 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::key() should either be compatible with Iterator::key(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::valid() should either be compatible with Iterator::valid(): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseCondition::count() should either be compatible with Countable::count(): int, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 1652 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/query.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Creation of dynamic property MergeQuery::$condition is deprecated in MergeQuery->__construct() (line 1344 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/query.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Creation of dynamic property DatabaseCondition::$stringVersion is deprecated in DatabaseCondition->compile() (line 1865 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/query.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Creation of dynamic property DatabaseCondition::$stringVersion is deprecated in DatabaseCondition->compile() (line 1865 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/query.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Creation of dynamic property DatabaseCondition::$stringVersion is deprecated in DatabaseCondition->compile() (line 1865 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/query.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Creation of dynamic property DatabaseCondition::$stringVersion is deprecated in DatabaseCondition->compile() (line 1865 of /home3/landsci0/public_html/windhoek-green-belt/includes/database/query.inc).

A number of threats to the environment have been identified. These include:

  • The uncontrolled harvesting of trees by informal settlers for fuel wood and building material currently poses the main threat to biodiversity found in the Windhoek Green Belt Landscape.
  • Poaching, especially in Daan Viljoen Game Park and the outlying areas of the landscape.
  • Uncontrolled bush fires in the dry season (as a result of malicious actions, slash and burn techniques or accidental causes) destroy habitats. These can result in the degradation of wildlife habitat and destruction of wildlife food resources.
  • Urbanisation in the city is increasing while land availability is a major challenge due to geographical factors such as hilly terrain and the freshwater aquifer in the southern areas. Windhoek is seen as a place of opportunity to generate income and reduce poverty and is thus experiencing relatively high influx of people from other regions. This has negative impacts on security, stock theft and illegal game hunting.
  • Small and isolated protected areas, such as Daan Viljoen Game Park (40km2), typically lead to the fragmentation of wildlife populations especially when wildlife movement is restricted by game proof fencing.
  • Dumping of waste in unauthorised localities as a result of the ineffective location and/or number of dumping sites.
  • Water pollution resulting from industrial and urban waste as well as agricultural management practices.
  • Road traffic poses a threat to biodiversity although the magnitude of such a threat is largely unknown. Numerous animals are killed while crossing roads throughout Namibia.
  • Alien species, especially invasive plants, which compete with indigenous vegetation for space and resources.

Relevant literature

  • Baseline Study of Bush Encroachment and Available Management options

    Baseline Study of Bush Encroachment and Available Management options for the Windhoek Green Belt Landscape. Prepared by Logos Consulting and the Polytechnic of Namibia – School of Natural Resources and Tourism by Dave Joubert, Ibo Zimmermann, Nathanael Nuulimba and Hugh Pringle for Ministry of Environment and Tourism Directorate of Environmental Affairs Through NAMPLACE Project

    » Download
  • Düsternbrook - fighting bush encroachment

    Düsternbrook - fighting bush encroachment. Provisional report after Sep 2011 fire

    » Download
  • Invasive alien plants in the Daan Viljoen Game Park

    Shapaka, T.N., Cunningham, P.L. and Joubert, D.F. 2008. Invasive alien plants in the Daan Viljoen Game Park. Dinteria, 30: 19-32

  • Namibia Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment

    Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2008. Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Namibia. Final Report

    Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment to climate change carried out in preparation of the Second National Communication in meeting Government’s obligations to the UNFCCC. The report addresses the vulnerability of the water and agricultural sectors to climate change, and suggest adaptation measures to cope with the expected impacts. Vulnerability is placed in the socio-economic contexts of rural areas, in particular the Karas and Caprivi regions.
    » Download
  • The distribution and invasive potential of fountain grass Pennisetum setaceum in Namibia

    Joubert D. F. & Cunningham P. L. 2002. The distribution and invasive potential of fountain grass Pennisetum setaceum in Namibia. Dinteria, 27, 37-47

  • The effects of fire on bush encroachment

    The effects of fire on bush encroachment (Düsternbrook Farm 2011-2012)
     

    Rationale: To investigate the use of fire as a management tool to reduce bush encroachment thus, gain a better understanding of its effects
    » Download
  • Water Quality Assessment Dry Season Results

    Water Quality Assessment, Dry Season Results. Weller Consulting Services cc

    » Download