Niél Terblanché
Deep Yellow Limited, through its subsidiary Reptile Mineral Resources and Exploration (RMR), has upgraded the internet connectivity at the Ganab Station in an effort to advance conservation efforts in the Namib-Naukluft National Park (NNNP).
According to RMR, the initiative is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Namibia.
The N$53,338.90 investment which was handed over on Tuesday, involved installing a fibre optic Speedlink over a 63-kilometre stretch, elevating internet speeds to 25MB/s – 12 times faster than the previous satellite-based system.
According to RMR, the enhancement facilitates seamless video communication and significantly reduces latency, thereby improving operational efficiency in this remote area.
The project was initiated following a request from the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks to bolster communication infrastructure.
Manie le Roux, Control Warden of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), expressed gratitude for the upgrade.
“This upgrade ensures day-to-day administrative support with our head office, which has an indirect positive impact on communication and reactive activities, crucial for proactive operations,” he said.
The Ganab Station, situated within the NNNP, serves as a key point for park management and conservation activities.
Le Roux said the enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit the Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management by enabling faster, more reliable communication essential for managing and protecting the park’s ecosystems.
“This includes coordinating anti-poaching efforts, environmental monitoring, and daily administrative operations across the vast and biodiverse region,” he said.
Dr Katrin Kärner, RMR’s Exploration Manager, handed the upgraded system over to officials while stressing the company’s dedication to supporting MEFT in their conservation efforts.
“We are dedicated to supporting the MEFT in their vital role of protecting the environment, and we are proud to contribute to securing communication tools that enhance their efficiency,” she said.
She added that the initiative reflects RMR’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable operations in Namibia, ensuring that its mining exploration activities coexist with and support environmental conservation and local community needs.
The Ganab Station in the Namib Desert is an important hub for conservation activities within the NNNP.
The station’s strategic location allows for effective monitoring and management of the park’s unique ecosystems, which include some of the world’s oldest desert landscapes and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Kärner said that the improved communication infrastructure is poised to enhance the station’s capacity to coordinate conservation efforts, respond promptly to environmental challenges, and engage more effectively with local and international stakeholders.
She added that the collaboration between RMR and MEFT serves as a model for how private enterprises can partner with governmental bodies to achieve shared goals of environmental preservation and sustainable development.
“By investing in critical infrastructure, RMR not only advances its operational objectives but also contributes to the broader conservation mission within Namibia’s protected areas,” she said.
She added that such partnerships are essential in promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the natural environment and local communities.
