Namibia Launches UNESCO Project Aimed at Boosting Community Entrepreneurship around Namib Sand Sea World Heritage Site

MALTAHÖHE, HARDAP REGION - On Monday 17 November 2025, Namibia launched a UNESCO pilot project designed at strengthening community entrepreneurship around the Namib Sand Sea World Heritage Site. The initiative, funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marks a significant step forward in promoting heritage for sustainable socioeconomic development.

The pilot on, "Promoting Entrepreneurship Projects Contributing to Socio Economic Development through Eco Tourism and/or Interpretation of World Heritage," is part of UNESCO's broader continental programme "Creating a Sustainable Heritage Ecosystem for Socioeconomic Development in Africa." Namibia is one of six African countries participating, alongside Comoros, Gabon, Ghana, Mauritania and Tanzania. The initiative aims to integrate cultural heritage into economic development strategies, creating meaningful opportunities for local communities while promoting the conservation of Namibia's globally significant natural landscapes.