Reptile Mineral Resources and Exploration (Pty) Ltd (RMR), a subsidiary of Deep Yellow Limited, is proud
to announce the donation of specialised computing equipment to Gobabeb – Namib Research Institute.
This donation, valued at N$49,000, includes high-performance computing equipment aimed at supporting bioinformatics, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis, disciplines essential to environmental research and decision-making in Namibia’s desert landscapes.
This investment will enable Gobabeb to deepen its work in identifying and responding to emerging environmental challenges through the application of advanced digital technologies. The new equipment will support Gobabeb’s efforts to strengthen Namibia’s technical capacity in remote sensing, geospatial intelligence, and bioinformatics, disciplines critical for environmental monitoring, land use planning, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.
“As a Namibian company committed to sustainable development and science-based environmental stewardship, we are excited to contribute to a future where our country’s unique ecosystems are better understood and protected,” said Dr Katrin Kärner, Exploration Manager at RMR. “Gobabeb’s work aligns with our vision to invest in local knowledge and innovation.”
Gobabeb regularly undertakes horizon scanning and skills gap analyses to pinpoint the most relevant fields for strategic investment. Despite significant progress in remote sensing and GIS within Namibia, there remains a lack of dedicated, locally driven capacity focused on the Namib Desert’s specific data and research needs. With this contribution, Gobabeb will begin bridging this critical gap, not only improving its own research output but also offering a platform for developing local expertise in these cutting-edge disciplines.
“In today’s world of data-intensive research, the ability to efficiently manage, integrate and visualise large volumes of complex environmental data is essential,” said Dr Eugene Marais, Research Manager at Gobabeb – Namib Research Institute. “This equipment will help us build a foundation for predictive analytics and decision-support systems powered by AI and machine learning, tailored to the realities of dryland environments.”
The donation comes at a pivotal time as Gobabeb works to modernise its aging IT infrastructure. Once the new systems are in place, Gobabeb plans to recruit and train young Namibian scientists in the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies. Leveraging its status as a global site for satellite calibration and validation, as well as its strong international research partnerships, Gobabeb is uniquely positioned to become a regional leader in desert-focused geospatial analytics.
This initiative supports broader national goals of building a knowledge-based economy, equipping local researchers and institutions with the tools to engage with global scientific developments, and ensuring the sustainable use of Namibia’s natural resources through informed, data-driven policy.
Contributed by Reptile Mineral Resources and Exploration
