Billions to be made from bush-encroached land

Should 15.8 million hectares of bush-encroached land in Namibia be thinned sustainably in the next 25 years, an estimated N$76 billion could be generated.About 45 million hectares of Namibia’s grassland savannah are estimated to be affected by bush encroachment, but it offers various economic opportunities for the country.Bush encroachment involves the replacement of native grasses by encroaching bush species."This has severe negative impacts on biodiversity, soils, water availability, the land productivity, and the livelihoods of our people, which are largely dependent on the country’s vast natural savannah ecosystem," said environment minister Pohamba Shifeta.The minister said studies have shown that enormous economic benefits exist in the rehabilitation and restoration of bush-encroached land.InnovationShifeta was speaking at the Biomass Fair Industry Conference and the launch of the National Strategy on the Sustainable Management of Bush Resources for 2022 to 2027.He said that the bush can be used as a basis for value chains that contribute to improved domestic economic development, add value to export products, and create employment and income in rural areas.It can be an innovation driver for future green generations, he said.Shifeta said that as the ministry responsible for regulating the forestry and bush sectors, they are calling on farmers, private companies, and other stakeholders to seize the opportunity to restore land that is degraded through bush encroachment."It is critical that this is done sustainably, based on the application of science and on value addition. We also have to ensure that such a process benefits our local communities."Biological resourcesThe minister further elaborated on the national strategy on the sustainable management of bush resources (2022–2027) and said that the strategy provides a framework to ensure that bush resources are used sustainably with value added."It is also essential to ensure that our bush control efforts contribute to achieving important international commitments on deforestation and afforestation, land degradation and desertification, climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as conservation of biological diversity, as outlined in the Rio Conventions."He said that adaptation to climate change is a key priority for Namibia, and restoration of the country’s savannah, bush biomass utilisation and value addition are identified as key adaptation actions in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).ellanie@namibiansun.com

Billions to be made from bush-encroached land

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-11

Please login to leave a comment

Billions to be made from bush-encroached land

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-11

Please login to leave a comment

Login