Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilient infrastructure

Role: Research assistant, Namibia
Project: Perception of woody ecosystem services in informal settlements of Rundu, Namibia
Affiliation: Department of Education, University of Namibia
ORCID ID: N/A
Email: hausikuherthanamutenya21@gmail.com

Hausiku Hertha is a 4th-year student at the University of Namibia, Rundu Campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Education Secondary Honours degree, majoring in Accounting and Economics.  On the FLOURISH project, she conducted a household survey on the importance of green-blue infrastructure in the town of Rundu, in the Sikanduko and Tuhingireni locations. Her survey focused on households in the informal settlements of Sikanduko and Tuhingireni, where she gathered information on how green-blue infrastructure in their surrounding areas, such as the community park, nearby rivers, wetlands, urban forest, dam, and ponds, affects these households. She also assisted in recording these survey responses and ensuring data accuracy.

Hausiku Hertha Namutenya was born in a small village called Katjinakatji in Namibia.  Raised primarily by her grandmother in Donkerhoek in Rundu, Hertha grew up under the care and guidance of the woman she considers the most present and influential parent in her life. Hertha began her educational journey in 2010 at Rundu Junior Primary School. In 2014, she moved to Rundu Senior Primary School to complete Grades 5 to 7. Her dedication to her studies became evident early on, as she consistently achieved strong academic results and received several certificates for her performance. In 2018, she enrolled at Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School, where she pursued her secondary education from Grade 8 to Grade 12, completing it in 2022 with a focus on Commerce. During Grade 8, she ranked among the top 20 learners, placing 4th with an impressive 78% average.