
Biodiversity pays off digitally in Namibia
This challenge is in phase: Incubate business
How might we better protect the biodiversity in Namibia by creating digital, biodiversity-based businesses in conservation landscapes and by capitalizing on the local population’s expertise and resources?
Biodiversity and conservation areas are increasingly under pressure due to climate change, poaching and human-wild-life conflicts. The economic pressure has further risen during the COVID-19 crisis, as tourism has significantly decreased and Namibians in rural areas have dramatically less income. The 16th lab of tomorrow programme seeks to both provide incentives for the sustainable use of biodiversity and diversify income streams for local communities.
01
Understand
Business Opportunities
02
Ideate Solutions
03
Incubate business
AfriArtsy
Afri Artsy is a global marketplace for African art to match the huge global demand for ethically produced artisanal products. Individual and retail customers have the opportunity to interact with the work of local artisans to receive tailor-made products.
Nyika Nzira
Nyika Nzira enables a digital travel experience with tours of Namibia for customers from all over the world. As a technology platform for local suppliers, the business model is to mount 360 camera rigs on vehicles and at waterholes.
Better than flowers
Better than flowers is an online gifting platform that solves the problem of picking out yet another gift while addressing pressing conservation issues in Namibia. The platform promotes integration with local communities and direct collaboration with landscape conservationists.