Conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results - Shifeta
The emergence of additional tourism sectors, such as cruise ship tourism in Namibia, highlights ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment for business growth in the tourism industry.
Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at the ministry’s annual strategic planning workshop held last week at the Otjizondjupa Regional Council in Otjiwarongo.
He emphasised that the workshop serves as a crucial platform to reflect on progress made, address challenges and map out the way forward.
Shifeta noted that, despite numerous challenges, the ministry has made commendable progress.
“We have upheld the conservation and protection of our wildlife, maintained and managed a robust network of protected areas, ensured environmental sustainability and facilitated growth in the tourism sector through policy formulation and strategic initiatives," he said.
Moreover, he said the ministry’s commitment to empowering communities is demonstrated through the awarding of concessions to those living far from protected areas, ensuring their participation in mainstream tourism and enabling them to benefit from Namibia’s natural resources.
Ongoing work
According to the Tourism Satellite Account of 2022, the tourism sector contributed N$14.3 billion to the country’s national GDP and provided employment for over 57 000 individuals.
Shifeta said initiatives such as the Namibia Convention Bureau, along with the promotion of cultural and eco-tourism, have also contributed to diversifying tourism offerings.
“Our conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results," he said.
He said Namibia remains internationally recognised for its commitment to biodiversity protection, as evidenced by the maintenance and expansion of the country's network of protected areas.
He added that the roads in Etosha National Park are being maintained and will soon be upgraded to a low-volume seal standard.
Meanwhile, critical infrastructure projects, such as waterholes and fence upgrades, have been undertaken.
“The ministry has also strengthened forest management by gazetting new community forests, reducing illegal timber harvesting, and promoting tree planting efforts," he noted.
Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at the ministry’s annual strategic planning workshop held last week at the Otjizondjupa Regional Council in Otjiwarongo.
He emphasised that the workshop serves as a crucial platform to reflect on progress made, address challenges and map out the way forward.
Shifeta noted that, despite numerous challenges, the ministry has made commendable progress.
“We have upheld the conservation and protection of our wildlife, maintained and managed a robust network of protected areas, ensured environmental sustainability and facilitated growth in the tourism sector through policy formulation and strategic initiatives," he said.
Moreover, he said the ministry’s commitment to empowering communities is demonstrated through the awarding of concessions to those living far from protected areas, ensuring their participation in mainstream tourism and enabling them to benefit from Namibia’s natural resources.
Ongoing work
According to the Tourism Satellite Account of 2022, the tourism sector contributed N$14.3 billion to the country’s national GDP and provided employment for over 57 000 individuals.
Shifeta said initiatives such as the Namibia Convention Bureau, along with the promotion of cultural and eco-tourism, have also contributed to diversifying tourism offerings.
“Our conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results," he said.
He said Namibia remains internationally recognised for its commitment to biodiversity protection, as evidenced by the maintenance and expansion of the country's network of protected areas.
He added that the roads in Etosha National Park are being maintained and will soon be upgraded to a low-volume seal standard.
Meanwhile, critical infrastructure projects, such as waterholes and fence upgrades, have been undertaken.
“The ministry has also strengthened forest management by gazetting new community forests, reducing illegal timber harvesting, and promoting tree planting efforts," he noted.
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