I have just learned that Excel Dynamic Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Omegore Mineral and Trading CC are planning to mine over the Goanikontes commercial farm and the Dorob national park.

Goanikontes farm has a historical building from 1906 and is situated right next to the newly built Livingstone's Private Tented Lodge, where the other historical building is found on Farm Livingstone.

Minerals are not the ONLY gems of Namibia. Our Tourism is a sustainable long term income for many years to come. The popular moon landscape road will be destroyed and taken away, as well as the popular open air dinner venues for the coast.

The natural wildlife will suffer under the harsh mining conditions and will perish. In this area where they want to mine, several families of Namaqua Chameleon (Endangered) are living there, Brown Hyena (Endangered), Namib Desert Beetle (Endangered), Namib Web-footed Gecko (Endangered) and Honey Bees (they might not be endangered, but have a VERY important role in all of our futures). We also have quite a few Ana Trees, which I believe to also be protected. Now, I can carry on by naming so many more, but everyone knows that there is no value to our nature.

So, yes, opening a mine might create a few jobs, BUT how many hospitality influenced jobs is it going to shut down by denying access to this area and taking away the beauty of what we now still bragging with.

So, I beg of you, please stand with us, not only to protect our nature, but also our tourism.

Sharmine Livingstone (081 146 9550) PLEASE WhattsApp me if you want me to send you the map and paperwork!