The Fragile Namib: Plant Evolution, Desert Expansion and, Industrial Development

You are invited to a presentation on the ecology and plant evolution of the Tsau//Khaeb and Richtersveld regions. Renowned botanist Prof. Emeritus Norbert Jürgens will present on the unique ecological processes of the Southern Namib and Succulent Karoo, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.

Key topics include recent desert expansion, severe ecosystem degradation in the Richtersveld, and the challenge of balancing expanding mining and energy projects with nature conservation goals.

About the Speaker Prof. Emeritus, Norbert Jürgens is a botanist and ecologist. He worked as professor for the evolution of plants and biodiversity at the Universities of Cologne and Hamburg with engagements at UNAM and NUST. He was director of the Herbarium Hamburgense, coordinated large cooperative projects like Biota Africa and The Future Okavango and also initiated SASSCAL. As a professor emeritus, he continues his lifelong research focus on mapping the entire Namib Desert across Namibia, Angola, and South Africa.

Event details:
📅 Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
🕖 Time: 19:00
📍 Venue: Namibia Scientific Society, Windhoek

Join the presentation via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/8023841980