Niël Terblanché
Namibia joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
The commemorative event was held in Otjiwarongo on Thursday, where the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, called for urgent and collective action to preserve biodiversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Daniel described biodiversity as essential to human well-being and environmental balance.
“Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, which supports ecosystems and provides essential services for human well-being, including food, medicine, clean water, and a healthy environment for all species,” she said.
She warned, however, that human activity continues to accelerate biodiversity loss and that no country can solve the crisis in isolation.
Namibia is currently in the process of updating its third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP III) for 2025 to 2031.
According to Daniel, this strategic document will support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and prioritise the participation of Indigenous communities, women, and youth.
“This plan will strengthen our efforts to address inequality, advance sustainability, respect traditional knowledge, and empower local communities,” she said.
Namibia’s unique biodiversity includes endangered species such as the black rhino and the cheetah, as well as endemic flora and fauna found in the Namib Desert.
Yet, this biological wealth is increasingly under threat.
“These species and ecosystems are increasingly threatened by overexploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change,” she warned.
She cautioned that biodiversity loss not only affects the natural world but also poses health risks to humans.
“Scientific research confirms that protecting wildlife habitats reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases, such as the one that caused COVID-19. In Namibia, where communities often live alongside wildlife, co-existence and stewardship are essential for both conservation and public health,” Daniel said.
Citing the drivers of biodiversity loss such as climate change, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation, and land-use changes, Daniel said these pressures are visibly taking a toll on Namibia’s ecosystems, particularly in marine environments.
“According to the United Nations and recent scientific studies, nearly half of all marine species are now at risk due to climate-induced changes,” she said, referencing the 2024 WWF Living Planet Report, which recorded a 73 percent decline in global wildlife populations over the past 50 years.
To address these challenges, Namibia is aligning its policy frameworks with a shift towards a green, blue, and circular economy.
“Key legislation includes the Environmental Management Act, the Forest Act, and the Marine Resources Act, which together provide the legal basis for sustainable natural resource use,” said Daniel.
Environmental officers have been deployed in all 14 regions to ensure compliance with these laws.
In collaboration with ministries responsible for fisheries, agriculture, water, and land reform, a national action plan is being finalised to meet Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30 percent of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
This plan will focus on Key Biodiversity Areas through seven thematic areas and 28 targeted interventions.
Daniel also stressed the economic importance of biodiversity for Namibia, where tourism, fisheries, and other nature-based sectors are vital sources of income.
She called on the private sector to be more accountable.
“Businesses must begin to account for their biodiversity impacts and invest in nature-based solutions that reduce environmental harm,” she said.
She urged companies to adopt biodiversity management frameworks and develop systems that document ecological dependencies.
“Human activities generate greenhouse gas emissions, and while some are absorbed by forests and oceans, the rest remain in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Preserving biodiversity offers nature-based solutions to climate challenges,” she said.
Reflecting on Namibia’s participation in the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), the minister reiterated the country’s commitment to halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and to meeting international obligations under the UNCBD.
“Together, let us commit to living in harmony with nature and securing a sustainable future for generations to come,” she said.
