Stakeholders met to discuss the nomination of the Daures/Brandberg National Monument Area for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, is renowned for its rich palaeo-archaeological heritage, hosting more than 43,000 rock paintings and endemic flora and fauna. 

It is home to prehistoric rock art, including the famous White Lady frieze, reflecting ancient human migration and adaptation.

The Daure Daman Traditional Authority and Daures Constituency Councillor, Herman !Naruseb, have cautioned against the sidelining of the communities that possess extensive knowledge and lived experience of the mountain.

They further warned that small-scale miners and farmers have suffered losses at other heritage sites, such as Spitzkoppe, where communities were displaced and left without alternative livelihoods. 

The leaders stressed that job creation and community inclusion must be prioritised.

A formal submission to UNESCO is planned for 1st February 2026, with the Brandberg aiming to become Namibia's third World Heritage Site after Twyfelfontein and the Namib Sand Sea.

The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, acknowledged the concerns raised.