13 Voices from the Frontlines in the Okavango River

Introduction The increased visibility of local and Indigenous environmental groups and defenders has marked a pivotal shift in the landscape of environmental activism, particularly in the context of natural resource extraction in the Global South. [...] By focusing on the oil and gas explorations in Botswana and Namibia, this article aims to show the growing visibility and influence of local and Indigenous environmental groups and defenders. [...] The Anglican Bishop of Namibia and 30 archbishops from the region and beyond declared ReconAfrica’s project “a sin” in a petition addressed to the Namibian and Botswana governments and ReconAfrica, stating (Mash 2021): As faith leaders we speak up for those who have no voice and defend the rights of the needy. [...] The Community Response The community narratives of ReconAfrica’s oil and gas operations in Namibia reveal a complex story of environmental activism, Indigenous and grassroots struggles, and the involvement of international and regional elites and organisations. [...] The case of ReconAfrica underscores the importance of recognising and respecting the sovereignty of these communities in shaping environmental campaigns and discourses that directly impact their lives and livelihoods.