The “Us”
The world over towns, cities, regions and eco-systems need to re-imagine their futures. Globalisation, nationalisation, mass urbanisation, technology advances, economic shocks, environmental threats, social divides and innovation have revealed both deep rifts and exciting new horizons for societies.
Impact investment alone will not bring about adequate change fast enough. We need more integrated sustainable economic, social and environmental solutions that make entire eco-systems and communities more resilient. This can only materialise if the component parts of the eco-system become more resilient or sustainable. This includes the organisations, groups, value-chains, and individuals that give meaning to the eco-system.
Salients works on multi-faceted transformations, working fast to understand complex patterns and systemic issues before co-creating new socio-economic solutions with the public sector, private sector and civil society. Our promise is to add value in the present whilst securing the far future.
Saving a mining town
A purpose-built mining town in the southwestern corner of Namibia came economic under threat when its incumbent mine and only economic enabler, faced sudden closure. Partnering the socially responsible mining group, national government and the community, Salients designed a town transformation programme to mitigate this toxic shock and to unlock a long-term sustainable future for the town.
The town transformation programme included coordination across the public sector, private sector and civil society. We transitioned town services, including healthcare and education from the mine to the newly formed town council and based on the environmental context and local desires of the community and region, outlined an economic diversification framework that has since unlocked new tourism, renewable energy and agriculture industries for the town.
OMDis, a special purpose socio-economic development vehicle created by Salients, today continues to lead the implementation of the town’s economic diversification ambitions, as well as local skills development programmes. Similarly, OMD 2030, a partner community vehicle also conceived by Salients, in parallel leads town identity, cohesion and resilience programmes that shift community norms and mindsets from mine-dependency to self-agency and active citizenry.