EVENTS & MEETINGS

Astronomy and Astrotourism
for development: the Namibian
Example 

ABSTRACT
Astronomy for development is making
great strides in Namibia. Forged by a
collaboration between the Universities of
Oxford and Namibia, together we are using
astronomy as a means for capacitybuilding and to benefit Namibia
socioeconomically. Namibia is already recognised as a world
leader in sustainable tourism; astronomy
offers great potential to expand and
diversify the market with minimal
environmental impact. With access to
some of the darkest and driest skies on the
planet – a completely free resource –
astrotourism is a relatively easy way for
tour guides to complement their earnings.
It also presents an opportunity to preserve
the indigenous stories about the stars,
which are already being lost. With H.E.S.S. already in place and the Africa
Millimetre Telescope on the horizon,
astronomy education provides further
opportunities for sustainable
socioeconomic growth. Led by Radboud
University, we are developing a Social
Impact Plan in the hope to inspire future
generations of Namibian scientists and
engineers.

Bio:
Dr Hannah Dalgleish is a researcher and
communicator, working at the intersection between
astronomy and society. An astrophysicist by training,
she now spends her time focused on capacitybuilding projects, and on furthering our
understanding of how astronomy affects the lives of
people around the world.
Hannah is currently working between the University
of Oxford (UK) and the University of Namibia. She is
a postdoctoral researcher in astronomy for
development, and is involved in numerous projects
related to dark sky tourism and light pollution,
astronomy education, science communication, and
more.