Using media to raise awareness on the importance of geoscience in Namibia
- 1Geological Survey of Namibia, Namibia
- 2McGill University, Canada
- 3Rosh Pinah Mine, Namibia
- 4SFI Research Centre for Applied Geosciences, Ireland
The Ministry of Mines and Energy was constitutionally established (per Article 100 of the Constitution) to take custody of the country’s geological, mineral and energy resources, and ensure that these resources contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development. The Department of the Geological Survey is responsible for collection, collation and dissemination of geological data and providing basic geological information through outreach programmes.
These outreach programs are conducted in the efforts to increase public awareness on the vital role geosciences play in society's use of resources, interaction with the environment and its contribution to socio-economic development. In addition, the programs provide an opportunity to expose the youth to geoscience career opportunities and positively influence an uptake of geoscience as a potential field of study.
These programs are collaborative efforts between the Geological Survey of Namibia and other organisations such as Young Earth Scientist (YES) Namibian Chapter, Geological Council of Namibia, the Goethe institute and many more. Through the participation in the International Geoscience Program (IGCP) 685 project, the Geological Survey of Namibia, with volunteers from Young Earth Scientist Namibian Chapter (YES) Network developed a 3-minute, motion graphic outreach video and poster focusing on geoscience and sustainable development. The video and poster are creative ways to engage young people/students, educators, and the community on the importance of geoscience and inspire children’s interest in geosciences, and science in general. Both products are used during outreach programs to schools (high school and primary schools) and communities.
Please follow the link provided to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-I7nnSiFIg&t=70s
In addition, GSN embarked on an initiative to engage the Namibian community using radio platform in nine vernaculars. The main objective of the outreach was to communicate different aspects of geoscience and their application to socio-economic development.
How to cite: Uushona, J., Mutongolume, C., Mhopjeni, K., Angombe, M., Shaanika, G., Hailonga, M., Uupindi, V., Nguno, A., and Naantu Ekandjo, H.: Using media to raise awareness on the importance of geoscience in Namibia, EGU General Assembly 2023, Vienna, Austria, 24–28 Apr 2023, EGU23-17549, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu23-17549, 2023.
