WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT
More than N$100 million is expected to be generated through hosting the 11th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 11) in Namibia.
The conference that is taking place in Windhoek from September 16 to 27 will have several positive spin-offs for the local economy, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
Even though approximately N$50 million is expected to be spent on the hosting of this conference, economists estimate that the conference will generate benefits from N$100 million to N$150 million depending on the final number of participants, according to the press release.
Transport companies, tour operators, restaurants, banks and retail chains all stand to benefit greatly from COP 11, especially given that business travellers spend on average two-and-a-half times more than the average tourist.
Furthermore, an estimated 1 000 staff members from various service providers have been employed to make the venue fit for the purpose and 150 temporary staff have been mobilised from Namibia's unemployed youth and tertiary institutions to provide support services during the conference.
A total of 14 Namibian companies are also busy working on critical aspects of the conference, ranging from internet and mobile connectivity for the delegates, to sound and light engineering, the provision of delegate bags, ablution facilities, interpretation equipment and services, marketing and communications services, transportation of delegates and catering.
Back-up power and air-conditioning services are also being provided by local companies, as well as decor services, conference furniture and security equipment.
The press release stressed that South African suppliers were only selected in cases where no Namibian could provide an equivalent or superior service, or where they offered significant cost reductions.
"This conference requires that the strict standards and requirements of the United Nations are met and specialised services are needed in a number of areas," it said.
Telecom Namibia is putting in place internet and mobile connectivity of the highest speed and quality for the delegates, as well as a Wi-Fi network with unprecedented bandwidth.
The conference will have a substantial local flavour with a number of social and entertainment functions, a craft market and a Namibian Pavilion showcasing the country's good practices in the area of sustainable land management.
Community involvement is also being promoted as far as possible so that farmers and resource managers are exposed to international best practices in the areas of drought mitigation, livestock and rangeland management and crop cultivation.