Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilient infrastructure

Role: Research assistant, Namibia
Project: The role of green infrastructure in mitigating air pollution in informal settlements of Windhoek, Namibia
Affiliation: Department of Geo-Information Science, University of Namibia 
ORCID ID: N/A
Email: namsheekris@gmail.com

Namusheshe Kristiana Namusheshe’s primary interests are botanical methods for mineral exploration in the Arandis area of the Erongo region; he is also interested in GIS, urban green-blue infrastructure, ecosystem services assessment, environmental equity, and social-ecological system transitions in urban and peri-urban settings.  

As a research assistant for FLOURISH, his research conducted household surveys to evaluate the role of green infrastructure in mitigating air pollution in informal settlements in Windhoek, Namibia. He focused on how green spaces such as community gardens, wetlands and urban forests deliver vital provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services that enhance climate resilience, livelihoods, well-being, and mitigate ambient air pollution for residents in rapidly urbanising, low-income areas facing heat stress, flooding, and resource scarcity. 

His personal experience spans from a hands-on internship at the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy. Under the Regional Geoscience Division and the Geodata Department, he was part of the team assigned to the redigitisation of the Warmbad Rivers in the southern part of the //Kharas Region. He also did individual household interviews and community participatory mapping exercises for regional comparative analysis across multiple informal settlements around Windhoek. He is dedicated to bridging rigorous scientific research with practical community needs, ensuring that geo-information tools empower marginalised populations and support inclusive evidence-based decision-making. 

Born in Oshigambo, a village in the Oshikoto region, attended school in the Ohangwena region and Kavango East region and is currently pursuing a BSc in Geo Information Sciences at the University of Namibia in Windhoek.