Cafe Sci: "Namibia & The Skeleton Coast"

Why not come along and find out about the beauty and wildlife in Africa at tonight's talk titled "Namibia & The Skeleton Coast - A Land of Contrasts".  The talk will be lead by Nick Joynes, Co-Director of Wildlife Worldwide.  

SUMMARY

Namibia is a land of contrasts and a land of pristine, raw beauty.

Contrary to most pre-conceptions, Namibia is a land of remarkable diversity. Classed as an “arid” country, the importance that water plays in its life-cycle cannot be under estimated; it affects the very core of the country, sustains its living beings and shapes the surfaces upon which we gaze.

It’s incredibly low population density provides landscapes that stretch to the horizon devoid of human intervention, affording you to see the world as it has looked for millions of years – only altered by the it’s own natural cycle of life.

Enormous protected areas preserve varied habitats that sustain remarkable wildlife: mountainous regions provide corridors for desert elephant, huge salt pans sustain a surprising variety of typical African species in enormous numbers, its coastline provides both a refuge and a challenge for marine-life, and even the great Namib Desert – the oldest in the world harbours a surprising diversity of wildlife and habitats.

Co – Director of The Natural travel Collection, Nick Joynes first travelled to Namibia in 2001, and hasn’t been able to stop going back…

“Since I first visited the country in 2001, Namibia has continued to live inside me; the endless expanses of ancient landscapes devoid of human intervention, a colourful and vibrant living desert providing a remarkable and fragile environment, its wild and untamed coastline clawing at the edges of the country, and mountainous regions, at times lush and verdant, providing corridors for wildlife”.

There are no compromises with Namibia; it as an unforgivingly and unapologetically beautiful country that, when visited, demands your attention. The scenery is mightily impressive in every possible way – incomprehensible at times, and though the species of wildlife that can been seen are not out of the ordinary, to encounter and observe any of them at close quarters in such surroundings and in such great numbers is both humbling and exhilarating.

BIOGRAPHY 
Taking a career break from Television Production, an extensive period of independent travel only served to heighten Nicks fascination of the world, people, wildlife and extreme environments. A career change in 2001 led to roles as an Operations Manager and Group Leader before creating a school expedition brand. Despite helping to run all aspects of the business, Nick still manages to personally lead specialist itineraries - especially to Namibia...

VENUE AND FORMAT
The Tea Bar will be open for at least half an hour before the talk which starts at 7.30pm, so you can get yourself a drink and have a chat with other participants. The discussions will aim to finish around 9.00pm, though everyone will be welcome to stay around and have a chat with the speaker afterwards ... and indulge in more of the Tea Bar's delicious cakes.

The format of the evening is usually a talk of 30 to 40 minutes, followed by a short break so the audience can refill their glasses, before questions and discussions about the talk. 

Entry is free and open to everyone, but we do encourage you to buy a tea, coffee  and cakes to show your support for the The Tea Bar who sponsor the meeting by providing the venue.

Cafe Scientifique is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore and debate the latest ideas in science and technology.