Namibia inspires environmental award

The heir apparent to the British throne, Prince William, has praised Namibia’s efforts in environmental conservation.

Speaking at the 2024 Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday, the prince said Namibia has inspired the awards.

“It was in Namibia in 2018 that I realised the power of how innovative, positive solutions to environmental problems could drive transformative change for humans and nature,” William said.

He said he was exposed to stunning wildlife in Namibia and Tanzania during a trip to the two countries.

“During a trip to Namibia and Tanzania, I was lucky enough to see some of the stunning wildlife that call this continent home.

“But what really struck me was the incredible impact local people were having on the environment around them.

Thanks to their ingenuity and creativity, biodiversity was returning, animals were being protected and jobs were being created,” he said.

William said while Namibia and Tanzania had the drive to protect their environment, they didn’t have the support.

“I saw first-hand the extent to which people were dedicating their time, talent and vision to fixing environmental challenges, but they weren’t getting the support they needed to speed their solutions to scale, or to have them replicated worldwide. However, I believe our world can be rich in possibility, in hope and in optimism,” he said.

William said this is why the EarthShot Prize exists.

“To champion the game changers, the inventors, the makers, the creatives, the leaders. To help them build upon the amazing things they’ve already achieved, to speed their innovations to scale, and to inspire the next generation to create the future we all need,” he said.

The Earthshot Prize, first awarded in 2021, supports sustainable, eco-friendly projects from around the world, with five winners each receiving £1m (about N$22.5 million).

There is a focus on ideas from Africa for this year’s event, with more than 400 African-led projects nominated and another 350 linked to the continent.

William set up the Earthshot Prize in 2020 through his Royal Foundation, and the awards were held in Africa for the first time on Wednesday.

Namibia is one of a few countries with environmental conservation provisions in it’s Constitution.

Article 91 of the Namibian Constitution gives the ombudsman the duty to investigate complaints about the degradation of ecosystems and the exploitation of natural resources.

Reacting to William’s recognition, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said it is testimony to Namibia’s initiatives bearing fruit.

“Namibia has always implemented initiatives that not only promote conservation, but also create economic opportunities for Namibians.

“This has set us apart from the rest. To see prominent people around the globe speak highly of our country is encouraging,” Muyunda said.

He said this recognition has a positive impact on the country’s tourism sector.

“This would have a positive impact on our country and its tourism. It also proves that those criticising our conservation have no basis,” Muyunda said.