Gobabeb

23°33′S 15°02′E / 23.550°S 15.033°E / -23.550; 15.033

Aerial view of Gobabeb Namib Research Foundation

The Gobabeb Namib Research Institute, short: Gobabeb, is a centre for dry land training and research in Namibia. It is located in the Namib Desert, 120 kilometres (75 mi) south-east of Walvis Bay.

Gobabeb was founded by the Austrian entomologist Charles Koch in 1962. Since 1998 Gobabeb has been a joint venture between the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and the Desert Research Foundation Namibia (DRFN). Gobabeb conducts research in the fields of climate, ecology and geomorphology. It also tests, demonstrates and promotes appropriate technologies. By conducting training courses, Gobabeb aims to improve the public awareness and knowledge of dry land ecology and environmental issues. The station consists of permanent researchers, students, and interns, as well as short time visitors such as school and university groups, and tourists. Gobabeb also hosts film crews, journalists and artists.