![Oil story](https://investigations.namibian.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Oil-story.jpg)
By Jeffrey Barbee and Kerry Nash | 16 September 2020
CANADIAN company Recon Africa said in an August 2020 press release they are planning to drill oil and gas wells into an environmentally sensitive, protected area in Africa that supplies the Okavango Delta with water.
The drilling location sits along the banks of the Okavango River in the newly proclaimed Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Recon Africa, which is listed on the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange, explains on their website they have acquired the rights to drill in more than 35 000 square kilometres of north-east Namibia and north-west Botswana.
Maps from both the Namibian and Botswana ministries of mines confirm they have been granted petroleum prospecting licences in the area.
Recon Africa claims this new discovery could be bigger than the Eagle Ford shale basin in Texas, which the United States Energy Information Agency says is one of the largest terrestrial oil and gas finds in the world.
Oil and gas discoveries like the Eagle Ford Basin helped make the United States the largest oil and gas producer in the world, but have also created massive problems, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
They explain in their Guide for Residents and Policy Makers Facing Decisions Over Hydraulic Fracturing that the negative impacts of hydraulic fracturing often include poor air and water quality, community health problems, safety concerns, long-term economic issues and environmental crises like habitat loss.
Recon Africa’s exploration licences border three national parks upstream of the Okavango Delta.
They also cover 11 separate community nature concession areas, one World Heritage site and part of the five-country Kaza Park – the largest protected area in southern Africa.
The drilling area also includes the last refuge of the San with a future drill site near the World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills in Botswana.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) says the site holds 4 500 rock paintings.
IMPACT ON SAN
Namibian-born University of Cape Town social scientist Annette Hübschle is very concerned about the impact of this fracking project on San communities in the area.
“Particularly worrisome is that First Nations peoples, the San peoples, are living in the region. They are already living on the margins of society. This is going to negatively impact their way of life, their livelihood strategies and the place they call home.”
![](https://investigations.thenamibian.online/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cJeffrey-Barbee-San-Healing-2-Botswana-300x200.jpg)
Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has shared an environmental impact assessment (EIA) that was done to cover the drilling of three wells by Recon Africa, yet many members of the government, affected communities and civil society are still in the dark about this development.
Chris Brown, chief executive officer of the Namibian Chamber of the Environment, says he is not aware of the potential shale oil find.
“I have spoken to a number of people to ask if anyone in the mining sector here had heard of this development and if anyone in the NGO sector had heard of it, and it seems to be totally under the radar here in Namibia.”
Brown says any kind of project like this should have gone through environmental review and permitting processes.
“There needs to be public consultation. We monitor all the adverts that come out in the newspaper, and we monitor all the adverts that come out around EIAs, and we haven’t picked this up at all,” Brown says.
He says an EIA is required by law in Namibia before any invasive activities can be conducted.
Maxi Pia Louis, director of the Namibian Association of Community-based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations (Nacso), is also concerned about the lack of consultation by Recon Africa in the eleven community park concessions included in the alleged prospecting licence area.
“I have no idea about this. It is huge, if there was an environmental impact assessment, I would have known because this is where a lot of our conservation projects are,” she says.
Max Muyemburuko is the chairperson of the 615 square kilometre Muduva Nyangana Conservancy, which is covered by the prospecting licence in Namibia.
![](https://investigations.thenamibian.online/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cJeffrey-Barbee-African-Lioness-300x202.jpg)
He says two years ago people came to their community saying they were “looking for energy”.
“We tried to get hold of their team leader . . . but they said no, ‘we will come back to you after completing this research’, but since then they never came back.”
He says he is concerned that the company may have “made deals behind our backs”.
CONCERNED
Hübschle says this lack of communication is very troubling, given fracking’s social and environmental record in the US.
“We should be very concerned about the long-term impacts of fracking on livelihoods, health, ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and especially climate change.”
Fracking seems to be part of Recon Africa’s plan.
Recon Africa’s CEO, Scot Evans, is the former vice-president of US industry giant Halliburton.
He told the industry journal ‘Market Screener’ in June 2020 that Recon Africa hired fracking pioneer Nick Steinsberger in June to run the Namibian drilling project, saying: “Nick is the pioneer of ‘slick water fracs’.”
The prospective area is also home to Africa’s largest migrating elephant herd as well as endangered African painted dogs and sable antelope. It is also a cornerstone of Namibia’s tourism economy, which brings in around N$500 million a year in sustainable tourism revenue.
The Okavango River, in the north of the potential fracking zone, is the sole provider of water to the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s most visited tourist attraction.
This lifeline in the desert supports more than a million people in the region with food, employment and fresh water, according to scientist Anthony Turton.
MACHINES
Recon Africa says they are refurbishing a big drilling rig in Houston and will ship it to Namibia in October to begin drilling as soon as November or December this year.
![](https://investigations.thenamibian.online/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cBruce-Gordon-Ecoflight-Fracking-landscape-300x217.jpg)
On their website they say they own 90% of the Namibian side of the shale deposit, with the government-run National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) owning the rest.
“This is neo-colonial extraction of the worst sort where Namibians draw the shorter straw and foreign companies walk away with our mineral wealth,” says Hübschle.
Brown says “during the Covid-19 pandemic there may be ways around this process, like doing it remotely or through something like Zoom, but doing away with it completely would be illegal”.
Recon Africa has not responded to a request for comment.
Youre so right. Im there with you. Your weblog is certainly worth a read if anybody comes throughout it. Im lucky I did because now Ive got a whole new view of this. I didnt realise that this issue was so important and so universal. You surely put it in perspective for me.
pin up 306 https://azerbaijancuisine.com/# pin-up casino giris
pin-up kazino
pin up: pin up casino azerbaycan – pin up giris
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa northern doctors mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
medicine in mexico pharmacies: northern doctors – buying prescription drugs in mexico online
mexico drug stores pharmacies: northern doctors pharmacy – mexican pharmacy
https://northern-doctors.org/# medication from mexico pharmacy
mexico drug stores pharmacies Mexico pharmacy that ship to usa medication from mexico pharmacy
http://northern-doctors.org/# buying from online mexican pharmacy
best online pharmacies in mexico: mexican northern doctors – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
reputable mexican pharmacies online mexican northern doctors mexican pharmaceuticals online
mexico drug stores pharmacies: mexico drug stores pharmacies – mexican rx online
https://northern-doctors.org/# buying prescription drugs in mexico online
buying prescription drugs in mexico online: mexican pharmacy – mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs
http://northern-doctors.org/# mexican pharmacy
purple pharmacy mexico price list: mexican pharmacy – buying from online mexican pharmacy
Elevate your airport journey with our chauffeur service from/to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Experience premium comfort and professionalism as our skilled chauffeurs ensure a seamless ride. Book now for a stylish and timely travel encounter that prioritizes your needs.
mexico drug stores pharmacies mexican pharmacy best online pharmacies in mexico
http://northern-doctors.org/# mexican pharmacy
mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs: northern doctors pharmacy – mexican mail order pharmacies
medicine in mexico pharmacies: northern doctors – mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
http://northern-doctors.org/# mexican pharmaceuticals online
reputable mexican pharmacies online mexican pharmacy online medicine in mexico pharmacies
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa: Mexico pharmacy that ship to usa – mexican pharmacy
https://northern-doctors.org/# mexican pharmacy
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs: northern doctors – reputable mexican pharmacies online
mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs: mexican northern doctors – buying prescription drugs in mexico online
https://northern-doctors.org/# purple pharmacy mexico price list
mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs: northern doctors pharmacy – pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa
https://northern-doctors.org/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa: mexican pharmacy northern doctors – buying prescription drugs in mexico online
mexico drug stores pharmacies mexican pharmacy online mexican pharmaceuticals online
buying prescription drugs in mexico: northern doctors pharmacy – purple pharmacy mexico price list
http://northern-doctors.org/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
mexican pharmacy: northern doctors – mexican drugstore online
https://northern-doctors.org/# buying from online mexican pharmacy
best online pharmacies in mexico: northern doctors – mexico drug stores pharmacies
https://northern-doctors.org/# mexican mail order pharmacies
mexico drug stores pharmacies: best online pharmacies in mexico – mexican rx online
A 24-hour reservation service is available for DFW Airport limousine service in the greater Dallas area, as well as the latest technology to dispatch and contact your driver.
medicine in mexico pharmacies: mexican pharmacy online – medicine in mexico pharmacies
medication from mexico pharmacy mexican pharmacy online mexican mail order pharmacies
For the best Miami limo services, trust our renowned fleet for weddings, corporate travel, and more. Enjoy competitive pricing and impeccable service with our prom and party limo rentals in Miami.
http://northern-doctors.org/# mexico pharmacy
Airport Transfers Bahamas is proud to serve the island of New Providence with professional transportation services.
We are a private hire car company, specializing in passenger transfers to and from Bahamas airports, ports, Bahamas train stations, and Bahamas Places.
Enjoy stress-free travel from Waterloo to Pearson Airport with our diverse services. Waterloo Taxi offers competitive rates, including airport limo and taxi options, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey.
Experience convenient transportation with Cabs Niagara Falls Ontario. Reliable Niagara Falls Taxi services, including Niagara Taxi, for seamless travel in and around the scenic Niagara region. Your trusted choice for local and tourist transportation needs.
Deerhurst airport limo services offer premium comfort and style. Choose from Deerhurst airport luxury transportation, reliable Deerhurst airport taxi, or convenient Deerhurst airport Shuttle to make your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.
Experience convenience with our Charter Bus Services in Chicago. From group tours to corporate events, we offer spacious coaches and professional drivers for your comfort. Trust us for reliable and efficient transportation solutions in Chicago.
Experience premier limousine service in Manhattan. Our Manhattan luxury transportation offers executive limo service for business travelers, wedding limo rentals, and airport transfers. Choose our Manhattan chauffeur service for professional and stylish travel.
Luxury transportation in San Francisco is at your fingertips with our airport car service. From stylish limo rides to professional chauffeurs, we offer cost-effective solutions. Experience the premier limousine service in San Francisco today.
Enjoy an exclusive Cape Town tour, featuring Table Mountain, a cable car journey, the Cape Peninsula, and penguins. This private tour offers scenic beauty and unique wildlife experiences.
mexican rx online: northern doctors – mexico drug stores pharmacies
It’s one of the most luxurious destinations in the world, and when you want to get around this captivating city, it pays to book a chauffeur!
https://northern-doctors.org/# reputable mexican pharmacies online
Best chauffeur drive experience across the UAE Our well-trained drivers with range of sprinter and premium cars are available 24×7
We are dedicated to providing quality Luxury airport transfers, including comfortable and reliable limousine services. We service all over Dubai city.
mexican pharmacy: mexican pharmacy – mexico pharmacy
Experience the pinnacle of airport transportation services in Dubai with Little Stars Travel. Our reliable drivers and luxurious fleet guarantee punctuality and convenience for seamless airport transfers. Reserve now for a stress-free and delightful travel journey.
Experience a royal journey with a rental limo in Dubai. Whether it’s a celebration or an official occasion, indulge in the opulent ride of a limousine. Relax and relish the lavish stretch limo ride, and enjoy the luxury that Dubai has to offer.
mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs: purple pharmacy mexico price list – medication from mexico pharmacy
http://northern-doctors.org/# purple pharmacy mexico price list
medication from mexico pharmacy: mexican northern doctors – medication from mexico pharmacy
https://northern-doctors.org/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
mexico drug stores pharmacies medication from mexico pharmacy mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa: Mexico pharmacy that ship to usa – п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
http://northern-doctors.org/# mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
mexican drugstore online: mexican northern doctors – mexico drug stores pharmacies
https://northern-doctors.org/# buying prescription drugs in mexico online
mexican rx online: northern doctors – mexico pharmacy
https://cmqpharma.online/# pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa
purple pharmacy mexico price list
mexico drug stores pharmacies cmq pharma mexico drug stores pharmacies
purple pharmacy mexico price list cmq mexican pharmacy online purple pharmacy mexico price list
purple pharmacy mexico price list mexican online pharmacy mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa cmq pharma mexican pharmacy п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
mexico drug stores pharmacies: buying from online mexican pharmacy – buying prescription drugs in mexico
medicine in mexico pharmacies mexico pharmacy buying from online mexican pharmacy
mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs cmq mexican pharmacy online mexican mail order pharmacies
buying from online mexican pharmacy mexican pharmacy online mexico pharmacy
http://cmqpharma.com/# п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
mexican pharmacy
buying from online mexican pharmacy cmq pharma mexican pharmacy best online pharmacies in mexico
reputable mexican pharmacies online
https://cmqpharma.online/# pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa
mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs
I am glad to be one of many visitors on this outstanding web site (:, thankyou for putting up.
п»їbest mexican online pharmacies mexico pharmacies prescription drugs best online pharmacies in mexico
canadian pharmacy antibiotics: online canadian pharmacy – canadian pharmacy world
http://canadapharmast.com/# canadian pharmacy
canada drugs online review: canadian pharmacy price checker – canadian pharmacy mall
http://foruspharma.com/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
canadian online pharmacy: safe canadian pharmacies – canadian pharmacy prices
canadian pharmacies online: canadian pharmacy – reliable canadian pharmacy
top online pharmacy india india pharmacy mail order indianpharmacy com
legitimate canadian pharmacy online: pharmacy canadian superstore – canadian pharmacy
mexico drug stores pharmacies: medicine in mexico pharmacies – mexico pharmacy
canadian pharmacy meds reviews: safe canadian pharmacy – canadian pharmacy phone number
best online pharmacies in mexico: mexican pharmacy – mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
https://indiapharmast.com/# top 10 online pharmacy in india
india pharmacy mail order: Online medicine home delivery – reputable indian online pharmacy
buy canadian drugs canadianpharmacy com prescription drugs canada buy online
canadian pharmacy online: legitimate canadian pharmacy – canadian pharmacy king
best india pharmacy cheapest online pharmacy india india online pharmacy
https://foruspharma.com/# mexican pharmaceuticals online
reputable mexican pharmacies online: mexico drug stores pharmacies – mexican pharmaceuticals online
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa: mexico drug stores pharmacies – medication from mexico pharmacy
best india pharmacy: online pharmacy india – indian pharmacy online
best india pharmacy: top 10 online pharmacy in india – buy medicines online in india
online shopping pharmacy india: india online pharmacy – world pharmacy india
https://canadapharmast.com/# canadian valley pharmacy
canadian pharmacy uk delivery: canadian pharmacy king – canadian medications
cheapest online pharmacy india: Online medicine home delivery – india pharmacy
http://foruspharma.com/# mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
canadian drug: my canadian pharmacy review – canada drugs
legit canadian pharmacy: canadian pharmacy tampa – canadian pharmacy reviews
reputable mexican pharmacies online: mexican mail order pharmacies – mexico pharmacy
top 10 online pharmacy in india: top online pharmacy india – online pharmacy india
https://amoxildelivery.pro/# cost of amoxicillin prescription
ciprofloxacin over the counter: buy cipro online canada – buy cipro online canada
https://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin online pharmacy
generic amoxicillin online: how to get amoxicillin – amoxicillin 500mg without prescription
https://clomiddelivery.pro/# where to buy cheap clomid pill
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# buy ciprofloxacin over the counter
amoxicillin 500mg buy online uk: buy amoxicillin online no prescription – azithromycin amoxicillin
http://ciprodelivery.pro/# ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablet price
can i order clomid: where to get clomid no prescription – rx clomid
http://ciprodelivery.pro/# buy ciprofloxacin over the counter
https://clomiddelivery.pro/# can i purchase generic clomid online
http://ciprodelivery.pro/# cipro online no prescription in the usa
doxycycline 25mg tablets: doxycycline 300 mg daily – doxycycline 200 mg daily
can you buy clomid now: can you get cheap clomid price – can i get cheap clomid online
https://paxloviddelivery.pro/# paxlovid buy
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# buy ciprofloxacin over the counter
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin over counter
buy cipro online canada: buy cipro – buy ciprofloxacin
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin 500mg buy online canada
paxlovid buy: п»їpaxlovid – п»їpaxlovid
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin 500mg tablets price in india
http://paxloviddelivery.pro/# Paxlovid buy online
п»їpaxlovid: buy paxlovid online – buy paxlovid online
https://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# buy doxycycline pills online
amoxicillin 500mg buy online canada: generic amoxicillin – amoxicillin pills 500 mg
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# cipro for sale
https://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# where can i buy doxycycline in singapore
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# ciprofloxacin
order amoxicillin uk: amoxicillin 500mg capsules uk – amoxicillin generic
paxlovid pill: п»їpaxlovid – paxlovid buy
cipro: ciprofloxacin generic – buy cipro online without prescription
cipro pharmacy: buy cipro online canada – where to buy cipro online