Maria David
NAMIBIAN National Parks and their communal conservancies are not just about conserving nature; they are sources of livelihoods and development opportunities for local communities.
This was according to Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) Pohamba Shifeta, speaking at the official opening of the Global Smart User Conference in Windhoek on Monday.
According to Shifeta, these areas draw tourists from all over the world, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth nationwide.
“They offer a unique chance to involve local communities in rural development, providing education, recreation, and research opportunities,” he said.
He added that MEFT has the critical mandate of promoting biodiversity conservation in the Namibian environment through the sustainable utilization of natural resources and tourism development.
Shifeta added that their goal is to ensure that ecosystems and species across Namibia are not only protected but also managed in a sustainable manner.
Hence, the protected areas of Namibia are not just vast expanses of land; they are the lifeblood of their nation.
However, Shifeta said that they harbour their unique biodiversity, which includes iconic species such as the black and white rhino, wild dogs, lions, and elephants, among others. They are also home to a variety of game species and over 700 bird species.
But these protected areas are not just for them; they are part of the global ecosystem, and the entire world benefits from their preservation.
“In Namibia, we celebrate our vast and open landscapes, our remarkable biodiversity, and rich cultural tapestry. We have long recognized the vital role of our protected areas in preserving our natural heritage,” he added.
Moreover, Shifeta indicated that the effective management of these protected areas faces challenges such as deforestation, habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade, which threaten the very essence of their biodiversity conservation.
To address these multifaceted challenges, Shifeta added that they have an array of monitoring targets, from law enforcement to human-wildlife conflict, conservation hunting, and biodiversity.
Furthermore, Shifeta said that the wealth of data generated daily is staggering. It necessitates innovative digital solutions that transform data for adaptive management.
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