The wildfire in Etosha National Park shows that Namibia’s fire prevention and control measures are not applied equally across all sectors. This was stated by the Charcoal Association of Namibia (CAoN), which warned that these oversight gaps could have devastating consequences, even though Namibia is otherwise praised for its fire management.
The association emphasized that its members have an impeccable record. In the past three years, no fires have originated from CAoN activities.
CAoN stated that strict regulations, firebreaks, and controlled burns are standard requirements for charcoal producers, ensuring compliance with both national mandates and international standards such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Forest Stewardship Council.
However, the same diligence is not always applied in the broader agricultural sector, as the firebreaks required by the Directorate of Forestry were reportedly not implemented at Farm Heellaas, where the Etosha fire started.
In contrast, CAoN members would not have been granted permits without meeting these standards. “Double standards weaken compliance and confidence in regulation,” the association said.
The association pointed out that the problem extends beyond farms.
Even Etosha National Park itself, managed by the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks, appears to lack the same fire preparedness required of neighboring farmers.
As the custodian of one of the world’s most unique natural reserves, the environment ministry bears responsibility for preventing such disasters. The ecological and economic impact of the current fire could be significant.
While charcoal producers maintain diligence and adhere to safety standards, other sectors, including resettlement and small-scale farms, often lack the same capacity or enforcement. Where gaps exist, state support is needed.
CAoN called for consistent enforcement of fire prevention standards across all sectors. Equal rules for all are not only fair but essential to protecting Namibia’s people, wildlife, and international reputation.
The ministry stated last week that the wildfire swept through the southwestern part of Etosha on Monday evening and was suspected to have originated from nearby charcoal processing activities. By Friday, an estimated 300,000 hectares of land had been destroyed in the park.
The association emphasized that its members have an impeccable record. In the past three years, no fires have originated from CAoN activities.
CAoN stated that strict regulations, firebreaks, and controlled burns are standard requirements for charcoal producers, ensuring compliance with both national mandates and international standards such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Forest Stewardship Council.
However, the same diligence is not always applied in the broader agricultural sector, as the firebreaks required by the Directorate of Forestry were reportedly not implemented at Farm Heellaas, where the Etosha fire started.
In contrast, CAoN members would not have been granted permits without meeting these standards. “Double standards weaken compliance and confidence in regulation,” the association said.
The association pointed out that the problem extends beyond farms.
Even Etosha National Park itself, managed by the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks, appears to lack the same fire preparedness required of neighboring farmers.
As the custodian of one of the world’s most unique natural reserves, the environment ministry bears responsibility for preventing such disasters. The ecological and economic impact of the current fire could be significant.
While charcoal producers maintain diligence and adhere to safety standards, other sectors, including resettlement and small-scale farms, often lack the same capacity or enforcement. Where gaps exist, state support is needed.
CAoN called for consistent enforcement of fire prevention standards across all sectors. Equal rules for all are not only fair but essential to protecting Namibia’s people, wildlife, and international reputation.
The ministry stated last week that the wildfire swept through the southwestern part of Etosha on Monday evening and was suspected to have originated from nearby charcoal processing activities. By Friday, an estimated 300,000 hectares of land had been destroyed in the park.
