The Duke of Sussex has gained a high-profile ally in the fight against oil and gas drilling in the Okavango River basin - Leo DiCaprio. Other actors such as Forest Whitaker and Dijmon Hounsou, along with the Duke of Sussex and the Oscar winner, are also calling for an end to the drilling work. But these are just some of the big names aligning with local indigenous and civil society leaders and conservationists in Namibia and Botswana against Canadian oil and gas company ReconAfrica.
Environmental activists Prince Harry and Leo DiCaprio fight against oil drilling
In a recent article, Harry and local Namibian activist Reinhold Mangundu spoke about the imminent threat of oil drilling. Additionally, they, along with other celebrities, encouraged individuals to educate themselves and get involved. The Okavango River basin has a network of river systems that traverse Angola, Botswana and Namibia. These also provide water to almost 1 million people and the region's wildlife population. The water source accordingly also includes the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity and two important wetlands. Canadian oil and gas company Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) began drilling in the Okavango River basin in late 2020. This came after it secured a license for exploratory drilling in a 13,200 square mile area despite concerns from local communities.
According to environmental activists, oil drilling is an outdated gamble. It has had disastrous consequences for many and incredible riches for a powerful few. For them, this is a continued investment in fossil fuels rather than renewable energy. The risk of drilling will always outweigh the perceived reward. In a region already threatened by exploitation, poaching and fires, this risk is even higher. Even as a little boyPrince Harry visited Africaon many occasions and describes the continent as his “second home”. He visited Botswana early in his relationship with Meghan Markle in the summer of 2016. Leo DiCaprio, 46, shared an Instagram video asking fans to add their name to the open letter calling for an end to drilling in the area becomes.
