200 000 Namibians benefit from conservancies
More than 200 000 Namibians benefit directly from conservancies, which support livelihoods through employment, income generation and community development projects.
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at the 11th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) held in Windhoek this week.
Namibia is home to a network of 86 conservancies, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering a shared responsibility for conservation, the minister said.
He explained that the state-protected areas and community conservation areas combined with the privately managed conservation areas jointly offer biodiversity and ecosystem protection across more than 40% of Namibia’s land surface, already exceeding the 30x30 target set in the Global Biodiversity Framework.
“The lessons from Namibia are clear: biodiversity conservation is not just an environmental preservation but also a driver of economic and social progression. Our unique approach links conservation to sustainable development, with wildlife-based tourism contributing significantly to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and rural development.”
Shifeta said despite this success, Namibia faces challenges that resonate globally, including human-wildlife conflict.
“Our people, especially those in rural areas, are on the frontlines of this reality.”
Human-wildlife conflict, driven by climate change, habitat loss and competition for resources, poses significant risks to vulnerable communities, he added.
Challenges in addressing human-wildlife conflict include the financial constraints, as managing and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts are resource-intensive.
Vital insights
During the event this week, two reports were launched, namely the Nexus Assessment Report and the Transformative Change Assessment Report.
Shifeta said these reports provide vital insights into how to address the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity and public health.
The Nexus Report explores the intricate relationships between biodiversity, water, food and health, emphasising the importance of integrated decision-making to achieve global objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
The Transformative Change Report identifies the root causes of biodiversity decline and outlines systemic pathways to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.
“These assessments offer an invaluable framework for local, national and international transformative action," Shifeta said.
Findings from the Nexus and Transformative Change reports highlight the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral approaches.
“Namibia calls on all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation, increase financial and technical support for biodiversity-rich nations, and prioritise the inclusion of local communities in conservation strategies," the minister stressed.
He said additionally, the global community must acknowledge the "disproportionate burden of climate change borne by Africa, a continent that contributes minimally to greenhouse gas emissions yet faces its gravest consequences.”
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at the 11th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) held in Windhoek this week.
Namibia is home to a network of 86 conservancies, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering a shared responsibility for conservation, the minister said.
He explained that the state-protected areas and community conservation areas combined with the privately managed conservation areas jointly offer biodiversity and ecosystem protection across more than 40% of Namibia’s land surface, already exceeding the 30x30 target set in the Global Biodiversity Framework.
“The lessons from Namibia are clear: biodiversity conservation is not just an environmental preservation but also a driver of economic and social progression. Our unique approach links conservation to sustainable development, with wildlife-based tourism contributing significantly to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and rural development.”
Shifeta said despite this success, Namibia faces challenges that resonate globally, including human-wildlife conflict.
“Our people, especially those in rural areas, are on the frontlines of this reality.”
Human-wildlife conflict, driven by climate change, habitat loss and competition for resources, poses significant risks to vulnerable communities, he added.
Challenges in addressing human-wildlife conflict include the financial constraints, as managing and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts are resource-intensive.
Vital insights
During the event this week, two reports were launched, namely the Nexus Assessment Report and the Transformative Change Assessment Report.
Shifeta said these reports provide vital insights into how to address the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity and public health.
The Nexus Report explores the intricate relationships between biodiversity, water, food and health, emphasising the importance of integrated decision-making to achieve global objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
The Transformative Change Report identifies the root causes of biodiversity decline and outlines systemic pathways to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.
“These assessments offer an invaluable framework for local, national and international transformative action," Shifeta said.
Findings from the Nexus and Transformative Change reports highlight the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral approaches.
“Namibia calls on all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation, increase financial and technical support for biodiversity-rich nations, and prioritise the inclusion of local communities in conservation strategies," the minister stressed.
He said additionally, the global community must acknowledge the "disproportionate burden of climate change borne by Africa, a continent that contributes minimally to greenhouse gas emissions yet faces its gravest consequences.”
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