The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has strongly condemned the ongoing rise in illegal sand and gravel mining activities, warning that the practice poses serious risks to human life, livelihoods and the environment. …
Ministry condemns illegal sand, gravel miningNamibia Minute.
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
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Namibian press · Organization
Environment ministry
Also known as: Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Namibian government ministry responsible for environment and tourism policy, wildlife management, and environmental clearances, appearing across coverage of conservation, national parks, and natural resource administration.
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- January 2026
… In this regard, and in response to the foregoing challenges, the government, through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, will soon undertake stakeholder engagements across all regions on the draft sand and gravel mining regulations under the draft Environmental Management Am …
Opinion – Call to halt illegal sand and gravel mining in Namibia… Sai Sai, who is also the Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s chief control warden for the Zambezi, envisions a transformed landscape that includes game drives, walking trails, viewing decks and cultural museums, drawing inspiration from successful ecotourism models he observed …
Push for eco-tourism shift at Lake Liambezi… This includes the site at Onatshiku village, which is required to be rehabilitated according to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. “The process has started and I have already given the list of the number of these sand-mined sites to the environment ministry,” said Kalimba. …
Uukwambi authority to rehabilitate sand-mined sites… Sikongo Haihambo, executive director within the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, said that this reaffirmation is in response to recent travel advisories issued by the governments of Canada and the Federal Republic of Germany, as reported by the international media platform Tr …
Environment ministry reaffirms commitment to tourism amidst international safety concerns- November 2025
… According to the proposal seen by The Namibian and submitted by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia seeks to trade in an existing stock of more than 46 000kg of registered raw ivory, which the country has accumulated from elephants that died of natural causes and thr …
Namibia proposes controlled ivory trade… Local authorities and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism have issued repeated warnings and launched awareness campaigns. …
Kavango Residents Risk Lives Daily for Water… She said the project will run from 2025 to 2027 and the NNF is the implementing institution, while the Ministry of Environment and Tourism is the oversight institution. …
Namibia secures US$3m to weather climate change- September 2025
… According to the Tourist Statistical Report of 2023 from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, it can be deduced that Namibia recorded just over 10 million bed-nights in paid accommodation. …
How a Small Bed Levy Helps Create Big Opportunities in Namibia- July 2025
… The sanctuary is the result of a strategic partnership between Gondwana Collection Namibia, Elephants, Rhinos and People (ERP) Namibia, and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. …
Namibia to Get World’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary
Mining & Energy
Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body
The News
The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.
Why it matters
Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body, expanding Namibia's broader economic diversification agenda.
15 hours ago · The Namibian →
Yesterday
Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body
The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.
15 hours ago · The Namibian →
Thursday 7 May
Competition Commission scrutinized over conservancy tourism investigation
The Namibian Competition Commission faces criticism for investigating conservancy tourism partnerships, with the Chamber of Environment calling instead for a probe into Namibia Wildlife Resorts' alleged anti-competitive dominance in national parks. The dispute raises questions about whether competition law is being applied in a way that could undermine the communal conservancy tourism model that supports rural livelihoods and conservation.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 5 May
PM Ngurare opposes new Sossusvlei access restrictions
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has insisted that access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei remain unrestricted, rejecting a new directive from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism that limits the final 4.5 km stretch to registered tour guides, self-driving 4×4 vehicles, and a concessionaire shuttle service while prohibiting buses and trucks. Since the start of the year, tour operators and the public have accused the ministry of creating a monopoly through exclusive concession arrangements that were initially presented as non-exclusive.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 30 April
Anti-poaching officials accused of torturing suspect in custody
Members of an anti-poaching unit at Etosha National Park have been accused of assaulting and burning a 35-year-old man during questioning in April following a poaching incident. The officials involved are from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibian Defence Force, and Namibian Police, and investigations are ongoing.
30 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 27 April
Pensioner charged with killing protected elephant without permit
A 62-year-old pensioner in Katima Mulilo faces court after allegedly hunting a specially protected elephant without a permit. He reported firing warning shots when four elephants entered his crop field, then fired toward them; one elephant was struck and found dead the following morning, valued at N$295,000.
27 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 23 April
Family of woman killed by elephant demands compensation meat
A woman was killed by an elephant in Kavango East on 28 March; the elephant was later shot and found dead but decomposed before the family could access its meat. The family is now requesting the Environment Ministry provide them meat from another elephant, as the killed elephant's carcass could not be recovered in time for the funeral.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 21 April
NaCC launches investigation into Ultimate Safaris and three conservancies
The Namibian Competition Commission has initiated an investigation against tourism company Ultimate Safaris and three Kunene region conservancies for alleged anti-competition conduct, after the respondents defied a December 2024 cautionary notice to cease the conduct. The case stems from a complaint by a mining claimant seeking to reopen Goantagab Mine within a joint management area that the respondents oppose, citing potential harm to black rhino tourism.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 17 April
Government shuttle monopoly plan sparks tourism industry outcry
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced that driving between Sossusvlei's parking areas will be limited to a single operator (About Africa Co) from 1 May, restricting access for independent tour operators and self-drivers. Tour operators and industry figures warn the exclusive concession will harm competition, raise prices, create liability concerns, and damage the tourism sector despite ministry claims it will generate revenue and protect the environment.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Wednesday 15 April
Ministry restricts Deadvlei access to authorised shuttle services
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced that self-driving tourists will no longer be permitted to access Deadvlei at Sossusvlei; instead, all visitors must use authorised shuttle services provided by About Adelt Sossusvlei Management or lodge-based tour guides, effective 1 May.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 14 April
Elephants destroy crops across Omusati region villages
A herd of elephants has destroyed crops in several villages in Okahao and Tsandi constituencies of Omusati region since last month, with animals feeding on mahangu, maize, melons and damaging property at night. The Environment Ministry says it has requested authorisation to cull one elephant to scare others away and is preparing a helicopter to drive the elephants from affected areas.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 11 April
NamWater seeks environmental approval for Haib mining dam
NamWater is pursuing environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to build water infrastructure, including a large-scale off-channel storage dam, to supply Koryx Copper's proposed Haib copper mining project in the ||Kharas region with around 20 million cubic metres of water annually from the Orange River. The project is expected to create up to 3,500 jobs during construction and around 1,350 during operations.
11 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 10 April
Ministry de-proclaiming landfill area to boost municipal oversight
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism will remove part of the Walvis Bay landfill from Dorob National Park to allow the municipality full management authority and ability to enforce bylaws. The ministry has issued a compliance order against illegal tyre burning at the site, which residents report creates toxic smoke affecting the town, and has flagged health risks from living near the landfill.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Oshikoto governor backs gaming regulation with balance and safeguards
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has urged the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to regulate gaming, entertainment and lotteries through a collaborative approach that promotes economic growth and job creation while protecting communities from addiction and exploitation. The proposed amendments to the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act aim to modernise regulations, strengthen compliance, curb illegal operators and promote responsible gambling.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Kavango East celebrates forests' role in livelihoods and economies
Communities, government leaders and development partners gathered in Kavango East on 23 March to commemorate International Day of Forests, emphasizing sustainable forest management and highlighting how forest resources support livelihoods through activities like woodcraft production. The event, hosted under the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme, featured a tree-planting ceremony, an indigenous walk to observe tree species, and an information-sharing session on the ecological, cultural and economic importance of indigenous trees.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 9 April
Namibia urged to finalize ocean policies before 2026 conference
Marine expert Rod Braby has urged Namibia to finalize its Blue Economy Policy, complete marine spatial planning, and accede to the High Seas Treaty ahead of the 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Kenya. Braby noted that Namibia currently has only 1.6% of its exclusive economic zone under marine protected area management, though the government has committed to increasing this to 11% within two years.
9 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 31 March
Namibia considers bee imports; local beekeepers warn against plan
Namibia is considering importing honeybees from South Africa to improve pollination for blueberry farms in Kavango East, but beekeepers, environmentalists, and government officials warn the imports could introduce diseases, weaken native bee populations, and threaten food security. The Beekeeping Association of Namibia and Ministry of Environment and Tourism both oppose the plan, citing risks of genetic dilution and resource competition, and recommend instead investing in local beekeeping capacity.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Wednesday 25 March
Environment ministry shoots elephant after attack on Katima Mulilo teacher
An elephant that attacked teacher Florence Mutete near Katima Mulilo on Tuesday was put down by the environment ministry after it continued charging at officials and residents despite attempts to chase it away. Mutete sustained minor hip injuries, and ministry officials warn residents to remain alert as high rainfall has increased wildlife movement into residential areas.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 19 March
Illegal tyre burning at Walvis Bay poses health risks
Residents and health professionals in Walvis Bay are demanding government intervention over toxic smoke from illegal tyre burning on state land, with a local doctor reporting increased cases of smoke inhalation and concerns about cancer risk, particularly affecting neighbourhoods like Kuisebmand and Narraville at night. The municipality says its hands are tied because the land is government property, and has appealed to the environment ministry for action.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 17 March
Swakopmund beach construction raises environmental oversight questions
Residents of Swakopmund have raised concerns over construction work at the Platz am Meer development on the beach, alleging that building waste and rubble are being pushed into the sea and the natural beach profile altered. The central dispute is whether coastal construction works requiring environmental clearance from the environment commissioner are proceeding without the required prior approval, with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism yet to confirm whether an environmental clearance certificate has been issued for shoreline works.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 10 March
Woman killed by elephant in Omusati, widower seeks government aid
Klaudia Amunyela was trampled to death by an elephant in Omusati's Tsandi constituency after approaching what she believed was a dead animal to take photographs. Her widower, left to care for three young children, is calling on the government for funeral assistance and citing chronic livestock losses to wildlife in the area; the ministry says it is launching awareness campaigns and intensifying patrols to address human-wildlife conflict.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 7 March
Minister calls timber trade a crime; forensic centre opens
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu says timber trade is a serious crime undermining lawful commerce and threatening biodiversity, not a regular trading practice. The government has launched a Wood Identification and Screening Centre in Windhoek with US support to detect illegal timber species and prosecute forest crimes using scientific methods.
7 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Wednesday 4 March
US embassy discusses wildlife trafficking with Namibian conservation leaders
US Ambassador John Giordano hosted a meeting in Windhoek on 24 February with Namibian conservation leaders and US officials to discuss progress in arrests, convictions, and investigative capacity in combatting wildlife crimes. The US has spent N$142 million on anti-wildlife trafficking efforts in Namibia, including funding the Blue Rhino Task Team and establishing a Wood Identification and Screening Center.
4 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 21 February
Over half million pangolins seized as illegal trade persists
A global report reveals that over 500,000 pangolins were seized between 2016 and 2024, with demand for their scales and meat continuing to drive exploitation despite international trade bans. In Namibia, at least 570 pangolins have been poached since 2018, though the government has launched a National Species Management Plan to strengthen protection and enforcement.
21 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 14 February
Windhoek constructs N$12.5-million cemetery at Rocky Crest
The City of Windhoek is building a new N$12.5-million cemetery on 21.5 hectares south of Rocky Crest Extension 8, with construction expected to complete by February 2027. When finished, the cemetery will offer approximately 11,500 plots with space for about 40 graves each, plus a chapel for funeral services.
14 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 10 February
Namibia welcomes 34 cruise ships in 2026 season
Namibia Ports Authority will receive 34 international passenger liners at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports between February and July 2026, expected to bring approximately 60,000 tourists and boost the country's tourism economy. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism and police are coordinating safety and security measures to welcome visitors and protect Namibia's reputation as a destination.
10 February 2026 · New Era →
Sunday 8 February
Drought costing Namibia billions annually amid climate crisis
Namibia loses billions of dollars yearly to drought, with the 2023–2024 drought described as the worst in over a century leaving over one million people food insecure and reducing dam levels by more than 70%. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism warns that climate change and rising temperatures are intensifying extreme weather events and threatening economic growth and development, emphasizing the need for proactive investment in infrastructure, ecosystems and climate finance.
8 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 7 February
Environment ministry faces N$165m funding shortfall for conservation
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism faces a N$165 million funding gap that threatens conservation efforts across 21 protected areas, with immediate shortfalls of N$45 million for anti-poaching equipment and N$120 million for park infrastructure upgrades. A parliamentary committee has recommended increased tourism concession fees, biodiversity offset mechanisms, and private sector partnerships to close the gap.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Student criticises costly internships in conservation sector
A fourth-year student has written to express concern that private and non-governmental organisations managing Namibia's wildlife are charging interns daily fees upwards of N$1,700, effectively pricing out local students and limiting access to career-building experience to the wealthy and international visitors. The writer calls on the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and universities to intervene and ensure local interns are valued for their contributions rather than treated as revenue sources.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Revised Environmental Act expands ecosystem protection measures
Namibia's amended Environmental Management Act will extend legal protections to ecosystems like natural springs and habitats previously unprotected, and set standards for noise, smell, water and air quality. The ministry is consulting on proposed sand and gravel mining regulations and has flagged unprecedented illegal sand mining as a major environmental concern, attributing it to weak management, corruption, and insufficient enforcement.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 3 February
TotalEnergies, Galp brief president on offshore petroleum partnership
TotalEnergies and Galp Energia met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to update her on their December agreement involving offshore petroleum licences, with TotalEnergies taking operatorship of the Mopane discoveries and Galp entering the Venus project. Both companies outlined expected contributions to employment and local industry participation, with Venus development projected to generate N$127–229 billion over 25 years.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →