During the annual Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2024, the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) co-hosted a side event titled “Astronomy for Sustainable Development: Charting the Future of Africa.” This event highlighted the critical role of astronomy in advancing sustainable development across the African continent. The programme featured a range of speakers from industry, government institutions, and observatories, including the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO).
Among the notable speakers was Ms Audrey Dikgale-Mahlakoana, Deputy Director of Multiwavelength Astronomy at the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI). She presented the recently launched South African National Astro-Tourism Strategy, a collaborative effort between the DSTI and the Department of Tourism.
Ms Dikgale-Mahlakoana’s presentation underscored the importance of inclusive astrotourism initiatives that promote sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities. South Africa’s competitive advantages as an astrotourism destination include its exceptional natural assets, indigenous celestial narratives, and world-class astronomical infrastructure. The strategy also addresses key challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure, low public awareness and engagement, economic disparities in rural areas, fragmented indigenous knowledge systems, and light and environmental pollution. The socio-economic benefits of astrotourism, as highlighted, include fostering economic growth, enhancing education, and driving social upliftment.
Speakers from SAAO and SARAO shared insights into how their observatories have contributed to local community development and bolstered the tourism sector. Their presentations emphasised the significant role observatories play in advancing astrotourism initiatives. A recording of this insightful session is available on YouTube.
Expanding the Dialogue: A Broader Perspective
Following the side event, the OAD and SARAO co-hosted an additional session focusing on the broader impact of astronomy on sustainable development. This session featured a multidisciplinary panel, including the Managing Directors of SAAO and SARAO, Directors from the Department of Tourism and the OAD, and a Development Economist. This diverse group explored the intersections of astronomy, tourism, education, and socio-economic development.
Dr Laeticia Jacobs, Acting Director at the Department of Tourism, highlighted the pivotal role tourism plays in fostering development. She emphasised the growth of astrotourism in regions like Sutherland and Carnarvon, South Africa. Tourism, she noted, extends beyond travel—it bridges cultural and geographical divides while contributing to rural and remote community development through infrastructure improvements such as roads, railways, and airports, which create jobs. Astrotourism, in particular, connects people with the universe and their local communities, driving economic growth in underserved areas.
The discussion also highlighted astrotourism’s contribution to dark sky preservation by advocating for reduced light pollution in key destinations. While astrotourism is currently a niche market, the National Astro-Tourism Strategy aims to broaden its accessibility and appeal to the general public.A recording of this session is also available on YouTube.
For more details about the session and the side event, please visit the OAD website.