N/a’an Ku Sê and the San Bushmen are dedicated to develop a San Eco-Lodge at Harnas, one of the establishments of N/a'an Ku Sê.
At the heart of this innovative initiative lies the preservation and celebration of the San Bushmen's rich cultural heritage, and the improvement of their lives. A commercial self-sustainable model that benefits both the San community and a global community.
" I see tourism as a valuable opportunity, bringing hope for our future."
- //Xari Nhao -
The Eco-Lodge will consist of 6 lodge rooms, a main area, and a professional kitchen. All of this will be built on stilts, so animals can keep migrating.
At the same time, it offers a global audience an exclusive an unique way to learn, get inspired by their invaluable knowledge of conservation, bush survival, tracking techniques, animal behavior, and their profound connection to the natural world.
SAN ECO-LODGE PROJECT
WHY THIS MATTERS
PRESERVING
IRREPLACEABLE, UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
The wealth of indigenous knowledge of flora and fauna has been undervalued, and are now at risk of disappearing, while the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, regeneration continue to grow. In a world increasingly detached from nature, the San offer a blueprint for balance. Their knowledge about the natural world is beyond encyclopedic. The San have proven that insight and smart strategies lead to succes, even in the most challenging circumstances.
By sharing their unique knowledge about the natural world with guests from the San Eco-Lodge, the San Bushmen are empowered to continue cultivating, preserving, and transmitting their invaluable knowledge to future generations. At the same time will the educational and cultural experiences help to inspire and educate a global audience.
CLIMATE CHANGE & URBANIZATION
The San Bushmen are originally a migratory people, moving with the great herds of game and the changing of seasons. As climate change and urbanization threaten this traditional way of life, the San Bushmen are seeking new sustainable ways to support their families in times of need.
By working at the San Eco-Lodge, they are able to generate an income, allowing them to find alternative ways to care for their children and family.
ECONOMIC SECURITY & BETTER LIVELIHOODS
The San Bushmen are the largest marginalized group of people in Namibia, facing exclusion from both the government and other cultures.
The San Eco-Lodge, run by San Bushmen, will provide dignified employment for San community members, with roles ranging from cultural ambassadors to hospitality opportunities. A stable income improves financial independence enabling them to support their families, invest in their community, reduce dependence on outside aid, and create sustainable livelihoods. They will also be able to live in a safe and secure environment at the Harnas property.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & RECOGNITION
It's about time the oldest culture alive on our planet receives the acknowledgement and recognition every human being deserves.
The San Eco-Lodge will raise awareness and promote respect for the San Bushmen’s heritage and the wealth of Indigenous wisdom on a global scale.
ROLE MODELS FOR THE
ONES STILL SUFFERING
Given the current circumstances, it is extremely challenging for the San Bushmen in the various communities to keep their hope alive for a better future.
The San working at the Eco-Lodge become role models for San Bushmen who don't see light at the end of the tunnel.
EDUCATION CREATES HOPE FOR TOMORROW
If San children have the opportunity to attend school at all, they often face such severe mistreatment and discrimination in schools with other cultural groups, that many are left with no choice but to drop out.
The children from the employees of the San Eco-Lodge will be offered free education at a safe school on the Harnas property. This will give them the tools, confidence, and opportunities to build a brighter future.
EQUAL HEALTHCARE
Unable to afford health insurance and facing discrimination, it happens far too often that San people including newborns lose their lives unnecessarily.
Therefore staff members and their family receive medical care free of charge at the Lifeline Clinic from N/a'an ku sê.
ACHIEVEMENTS N/A'AN KU SÊ
Through long-term innovative agreements, N/a'an Ku Sê has proven to provide effective support in building a sustainable future for the San community.
FACTS & FIGURES 2024
" N/a'an Ku Sê offers opportunities that once seemed out of reach for us."
- // 'Ao -
IMPACT BY NUMBERS SAN ECO-LODGE
21
SAN EMPLOYEES
252
FAMILY MEMBERS
BENEFITTING FROM REVENUES ECO-LODGE.
APPROXIMATELY
3,000
SAN PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES BENEFITTING FROM REVENUES ECO-LODGE.
SAN ECO-LODGE FUNDING
Let's create a future where the oldest culture alive on our planet and sustainable innovation thrive together.
So far, we have raised €176,215. This will get the project on its way!
However, to realize the San Eco-Lodge, it requires funding of another:
SAN ECO-LODGE:
- Bushtec Tent Units : € 504.558,--
- Interior and fit-out : € 452.368,--
- Professional kitchen & electric appliances : €123.213,--
