Anglican bishops in Namibia and three archbishops from around the world are opposing the exploratory oil and gas drilling in the Kavango Basin in northern Namibia.
The church leaders said the drilling in the Kavango Basin in Northern Namibia and also in Botswana by Canadian oil and gas company, ReconAfrica would disrupt the culture and ancestral heritage and ecosystem dependent subsistence livelihoods of the San people.
"It will also negatively affect low-impact eco-tourism, which provides a sustainable income to guides, crafters and artists," the petition reads.
ReconAfrica acquired rights to explore more than 35 000km² in the Okavango Delta watershed, a Unesco-designated world heritage site.
"ReconAfrica claims that drilling the Kavango basin is 'pretty much a no-brainer," the petition reads. "We call it a sin. To destroy life and God's creation is simply wicked," reads the petition.
"This environmentally sensitive, protected area supplies water to the Okavango Delta. It is a world heritage and Ramsar wetland site, a key biodiversity area and one of the seven natural wonders of Africa."
The faith leaders said drilling in the Kavango Basin would also fracture its geological structure and destroy the water system that supports this unique ecosystem and wildlife sanctuary.
"ReconAfrica is putting financial interests before life. We believe in restorative social and environmental justice, and we call upon the international community to support Namibia and Botswana to develop renewable energy systems and help safeguard the precious Kavango ecosystem," the petition reads.
The region is home to the largest remaining population of African elephants and 400 species of birds, as well as being a sanctuary for many other animals. It is protected under the protocol of the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission.
ReconAfrica has denied pursuing unconventional methods, including hydraulic fracturing or fracking, which is designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock.
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