Namibia’s economy is highly dependent on biodiversity, of which the drivers of biodiversity loss are mainly human-driven.
Environment minister Indileni Daniel said this at the Commemoration of the International Day of Biological Diversity that was held in Otjiwarongo on 22 May, under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,”.
Daniel said that biodiversity loss is accelerating, driven by human activity.
“This is a global crisis that requires collective action—no nation, regardless of wealth or power, can solve it alone.”
She said that Namibia is home to remarkable biodiversity, spanning deserts, wetlands,
forests, and grasslands.
“These ecosystems support unique and globally significant species, including the black rhino and the cheetah, both of which are endangered.”
Daniel said that the decline in biodiversity has far-reaching consequences not just for nature,
but also for human health.
It increases the risk of disease transmission and global pandemics.
“Conversely, restoring biodiversity can strengthen ecosystem resilience and enhance natural barriers to disease.”
She said that scientific research confirms that protecting wildlife habitats reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases, such as the one that caused
COVID-19.
Daniel said that the drivers of biodiversity loss are well-documented: climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution, and land-use change, including agriculture
and urban expansion.
“These pressures are visible in Namibia, where increasing
temperatures, degraded habitats, and invasive plant species continue to threaten our wildlife.”
She said that Namibia’s marine ecosystems, in particular, are under stress due to warming waters that affect coral reefs and fish populations.
To address these challenges, the Namibian Government is reforming its policy
and regulatory frameworks to support a green, blue, and circular economy focused on
long-term sustainability.
“Our rich fisheries, tourism, and other nature-based enterprises generate employment, support livelihoods, and drive economic growth.”
Daniel said that protecting
biodiversity is, therefore, not only an environmental imperative but it is an economic one.
She said that halting biodiversity loss requires a profound transformation in how people relate to nature.
“Human activities generate greenhouse gas emissions, and while some are absorbed by forests and oceans, the rest remain in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.” Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are natural carbon sinks, said Daniel.
“Preserving biodiversity within them offers nature-based solutions to climate challenges.”
Environment minister Indileni Daniel said this at the Commemoration of the International Day of Biological Diversity that was held in Otjiwarongo on 22 May, under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,”.
Daniel said that biodiversity loss is accelerating, driven by human activity.
“This is a global crisis that requires collective action—no nation, regardless of wealth or power, can solve it alone.”
She said that Namibia is home to remarkable biodiversity, spanning deserts, wetlands,
forests, and grasslands.
“These ecosystems support unique and globally significant species, including the black rhino and the cheetah, both of which are endangered.”
Daniel said that the decline in biodiversity has far-reaching consequences not just for nature,
but also for human health.
It increases the risk of disease transmission and global pandemics.
“Conversely, restoring biodiversity can strengthen ecosystem resilience and enhance natural barriers to disease.”
She said that scientific research confirms that protecting wildlife habitats reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases, such as the one that caused
COVID-19.
Daniel said that the drivers of biodiversity loss are well-documented: climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution, and land-use change, including agriculture
and urban expansion.
“These pressures are visible in Namibia, where increasing
temperatures, degraded habitats, and invasive plant species continue to threaten our wildlife.”
She said that Namibia’s marine ecosystems, in particular, are under stress due to warming waters that affect coral reefs and fish populations.
To address these challenges, the Namibian Government is reforming its policy
and regulatory frameworks to support a green, blue, and circular economy focused on
long-term sustainability.
“Our rich fisheries, tourism, and other nature-based enterprises generate employment, support livelihoods, and drive economic growth.”
Daniel said that protecting
biodiversity is, therefore, not only an environmental imperative but it is an economic one.
She said that halting biodiversity loss requires a profound transformation in how people relate to nature.
“Human activities generate greenhouse gas emissions, and while some are absorbed by forests and oceans, the rest remain in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.” Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are natural carbon sinks, said Daniel.
“Preserving biodiversity within them offers nature-based solutions to climate challenges.”
