During the last few decades Namibian forests and woodlands have diminished rapidly, especially in the northern parts of the country. Logging, fires and overgrazing have generated a serious deforestation problem. Particularly in the northern regions, deforestation has caused a shortage of fuel wood and building material, as well as soil erosion. Where woodlands are diminished, the spread of invader bush species has dramatically decreased the grazing capacity of pasture lands and caused serious losses for livestock farmers. Keywords: Namibia, Namib Desert, Kuiseb River, Swakop River, Homeb, forestry, land degradation, forest management, sustainable development, planting technique, water relations, arid zone research, deforestation, afforestation, restoration, bio-monitoring, desertification.