The Namib Sand Sea represents a well conserved, key facet of the long but narrow coastal Namib Desert of western southern Africa. It offers a stunning landscape derived from a combination of geological, geomorphic and climatological processes in which a unique biota has evolved to take advantage of fog as a moisture source and wind-blown sand and detritus as life support media.As the iconic heart of the Namib Desert, the Namib Sand Sea has been identified for nomination as a World Heritage Site based on all four natural criteria. Although the entire Namib Desert, extending over 2 km from South Africa through Namibia to south-western Angola, exemplifies elements of the natural criteria worthy of inscription, their integrity and management are not all as well developed as that of the Namib Sand Sea. As the management situation evolves, it is intended that serial additions to the Namib Sand Sea will be considered for inclusion as part of the World Heritage Site.