The University of Namibia's (UNAM) acting Vice Chancellor has urged geology students to view their field as a profound scientific calling deeply connected to Earth's history, climate systems, and life itself.
Dr. Ellen Namhila made the remarks on Monday at the opening of the Geological Society of America (GSA) Thompson Field Forum. UNAM's Southern Campus in Keetmanshoop is hosting the week-long event, which runs until May 31.
This is the first time Namibia has hosted this conference, and it brought more than thirty international students and scientists from the University of St Andrews, Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Berkeley, as well as participants from many institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and beyond and Namibian geology students together to collaborate and study the ancient rocks found in the ||Kharas region during the week.
"The future challenges facing humanity, climate change, environmental sustainability, water security, energy transitions and responsible resource management will require strong earth scientists more than ever before."
The rocks found in the southern part of the country are called the 'Nama Group' by geologists, and they are an important part of the geologic record because they contain evidence of early complex life on Earth, helping scientists understand how life evolved.
"Known among geologists as the Nama Group, it continues to play an important role in helping scientists understand the early evolution of complex life on Earth. It is therefore fitting that this conference is taking place here in this region close to the outcrops and geological records that have attracted worldwide scientific attention."
The ||Kharas governor, Dawid Gertze, has commended the students for their equal participation in global science.
"The fact that Namibian students are fully participating in this forum, presenting posters, engaging with international research and contributing to global science is precisely the kind of opportunity we must continue to create."
For the next two days, the participants will take part in discussions and presentations, and from the 28th to the 31st, they will carry out fieldwork in Aus and the surrounding areas.