Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism

16/09/2026

INFORMATION SESSION: The Ministry, alongside stakeholders and the academia, on Wednesday held an information sharing session at the University of Namibia Khomasdal Campus in Windhoek, ahead of the World Cleanup Day commemoration on 19 September 2026.

The session featured informative discussions on environmental preservation and responsible environmental management under the theme “Namibia, Clean and Healthy”.

A panel of experts discussed a range of topics which included opportunities for youth to create livelihoods by recycling waste materials into useful products, while underscoring the importance of keeping Namibia clean.

This information session sought to bring young people into the broader conversation on sustainability and conservation, while encouraging them to take an active role in protecting their environment.

16/09/2026

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: The Ministry’s Deputy Minister, Anselm Marungu, on Tuesday underscored that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government to all sectors of society.

“Environmental protection is a collective responsibility. The government has an important role to play, but effective environmental governance also depends on the judiciary, the legal profession, academia, civil society, communities, the private sector and our development partners,” he said.
Marungu was speaking in Windhoek during the launch of the fifth edition of Environmental Law and Policy in Namibia, edited by Oliver Ruppel and Katharina Ruppel-Schlichting.

The book examines legal and policy options for regulating environmental interests in Namibia. The launch was attended by legal experts, academics and environmental practitioners, including Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti.

16/09/2026

The venue in Windhoek will be the Movenpick Hotel. The event starts at 09h00, with registration set to begin at 08h00.

PUBLIC NOTICE: The Ministry will hold public consultations on the review of Regulations on all predators’ trophy hunting, quota allocation and general fees payable, under the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975 as amended, from 25 August to 18 September 2026 across the country. The public, including relevant stakeholders, is encouraged to attend and participate in these consultations.

16/09/2026

ETOSHA FIRE UPDATE: Ministry staff, NDF and community members continue to battle wildfire flare-ups in Etosha National Park. Strong winds caused the wildfires put under control on Monday morning to flare up spreading around the Halali area towards the southeastern boundary of the park.

Etosha Deputy Director Naambo Iipinge says the active fires remain relatively small and manageable but still poses a risk to the park and surrounding areas due to the unpredictable speed of the wind.

As of Wednesday, preliminary assessments show that the total burned area is 2,587 square kilometres of the park. A full size will be provided when the wildfires are fully extinguished.

Controlled burning carried out by the Ministry in previous months is helping to reduce the extent of the flames. Teams remain on the ground monitoring and mopping up while establishing the full extent of the affected area, including any possible impact on wildlife. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

14/09/2026

TRASHION: The Ministry will hold the Trashion Fashion Show on 15 September 2026 at the Khomas Regional Council Hall to showcase creativity and raise awareness on waste reuse and recycling through fashion and sustainable practices.

14/09/2026

JOIN US: The Ministry invites the public to attend and participate in the Information sharing session on the Clean Up Namibia Campaign on 16 September 2026 at the UNAM Khomasdal Campus, as our panel of experts unpacks various issues on environmental awareness in the build up to the National Clean Up Day on 19 September 2026.

14/09/2026

ETOSHA FIRE UPDATE: The Ministry has extinguished three of the four wildfires that were ignited by lightning last Wednesday in the Etosha National Park. The three fires were put off on Monday morning, while the remaining active fire is still under control.

Etosha Deputy Director Naambo Iipinge said the firefighting team was joined by Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi from late Saturday afternoon until Monday morning. She said support from the regional leadership, the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), surrounding conservancies and corporate entities strengthened the fire containment operation. She acknowledged OTESA’s support that provided three water tankers, as well as the deployment of 29 NDF members to assist with firefighting efforts.

The wildfires affected areas around Halali, Kamaseb and Tsam within the park. The firefighting team remains on the ground to monitor the situation and respond to any flare-ups while keeping the active fire under control. No animal losses or injuries have been reported so far.

12/09/2026

WILDFIRE: The Ministry has been battling wildfires in the Etosha National Park for the past three days after lightning sparked fires in the Halali area and Kamaseb as well as Tsam blocks on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

Firefighting teams have managed to keep the blaze under control, supported by well-maintained cutlines, including the freshly graded Dungaries-Kamaseb and Dungaries-Trentaal cutlines. The cutlines help slow the spread of the fire and protect close areas from catching fires. Forestry Director Johnson Ndokosho and Etosha National Park Deputy Director Naambo Iipinge indicated that teams remain on the ground monitoring the situation and working to extinguish the remaining fire. No animal losses or injuries have been reported as a result of the fire thus far.

Additional firefighting equipment, including a fire truck and more staff, will be dispatched to Etosha to strengthen the response of the already existing team.

03/09/2026

COURTESY VISIT: Minister Indileni Daniel on Thursday received a courtesy visit from World Bank Country Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Dr Satu Kähkönen at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek.

During the visit, Dr Kähkönen introduced Stefano Mocci, the new World Bank Country Manager for Namibia since July this year.

Discussions focused on Namibia’s development priorities related to the environment, forestry and tourism as well as the World Bank’s continued support to the country and other matters of mutual interest.

02/09/2026

NAUKLUFT TRAIL ASSESSMENT: The Ministry has completed an eight-day, 120-kilometre inspection hike of the Naukluft hiking trail to assess conditions and ensure the safety of tourists and local hikers.

Led by Central Regions Wildlife and National Parks Deputy Director Marthin Kasaona, the team inspected the trail from 23 to 30 August 2026, assessing trail markers, shelters, toilets, benches, water availability and the safety of iron chains along steep sections. All seven shelters, including Putte, Ubusis, Adlerhorst, Tsams Ost, Die Valle, Tufa and Kapokvlakte, were inspected. The team found the shelters clean and generally in good condition, with most roofs recently repaired or replaced. Broken benches are being replaced with more durable railway sleepers, while further shelter maintenance is planned when road access improves.

The inspection also highlighted the importance of maintaining the chains used by hikers on steep climbs. Kasaona stressed that these safety features must be reliable, as hikers depend on them on challenging sections such as the Tufa chain.

The assessment demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining safe and enjoyable hiking experiences for both international visitors and local hikers. Bridge Financing Project’s Johannes Beck and Namibia Nature Foundation’s Johanness Laufs formed the inspection team with Ministry Naukluft Ranger Elvis Lilungwe joining the team on the fourth day at Tsams Ost.