2008-06-17Staff Report 2 "By Staff Reporter WINDHOEK Recently the Gobabeb Training and Research Centre opened its doors, inviting the general public to come and learn more about this amazing facility located in the Namib-Naukluft Park (NNP). This year's Open Day theme was: ""Namib-Naukluft Park Centenary and Beyond"". The NNP was founded in 1907. Many features on the open day celebrations related directly to the first year of the new centenary with future perspectives. The programme included a key-note address by director Joh Henschel as well as informative displays. All Gobabeb staff provided a wide diversity of presentations throughout the day. These included talks on research activities, training, Gobabeb facilities, weather and solar energy. Further, community-based displays and performances included a traditional Topnaar Dance and sales of the endemic !Nara seeds and oils. Nearly three hundred visitors came to Gobabeb, of whom half stayed overnight in tents or in Gobabeb guest accommodation. Two spectacular shows were presented to the overnighters. One, an improvisational play by Avalon Events was performed after sunset in a natural dune amphitheatre. True to form, Natasha Lamoela and her team captured the audience with theatrical skills and special effects. Later, as guests and staff enjoyed dinner back at the station, the Trio Feminale played a most enjoyable classical and modern repertoire. Their impromptu song ""Gobabeb"" was a most fitting interlude to the spirit of the day. This centre is located in the heart of the Namib, 115 km from Walvis Bay or 310 km from Windhoek. " 2008-06-17Staff Report 2
