Namibia is intensifying its land restoration initiatives to enhance drought resilience and counter desertification and land degradation, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) announced on Wednesday. This development coincides with the global celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June, under the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
Amidst an ongoing state of emergency declared due to severe drought conditions, Namibia has launched a research and training programme aimed at boosting the cultivation of drought-resistant plants and trees in the country’s hardest-hit regions.
In an interview with SAT, Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of MEFT, stated that the expansion of land restoration programmes is primarily focused on rural areas where communities heavily rely on the land for their livelihoods.
“The ministry is collaborating with communities on drought resilience initiatives, such as sustainable forestry harvesting, to mitigate the impacts of drought and climate change on their livelihoods,” Shifeta explained.
In a bid to promote sustainable forestry practices, Namibia has already imposed a ban on the exportation of unfinished or semi-finished forestry products. This policy is designed to encourage the processing of forestry products within the country.
The MEFT is also fast-tracking its reforestation efforts by producing drought-resistant seedlings, which are distributed to communities across various regions. Shifeta highlighted the crucial role of nurseries in producing these seedlings for both rural and urban settings, including schools and institutions.
“We must accelerate this programme to ensure the availability of millions of seedlings annually,” Shifeta urged. Given Namibia’s arid climate, he underscored the importance of planting drought-resistant trees, aiming for an 85 percent survival rate of these seedlings compared to the typical 50 percent due to water scarcity.
Namibia’s proactive measures reflect a broader commitment to sustainable environmental practices and climate resilience, setting a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges. As the country scales up its land restoration efforts, it continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future amidst the growing threats of climate change.
