Also known as: MEFT · Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)
Government ministry responsible for environmental management, forestry, wildlife conservation, and tourism in Namibia, handling veld fires, human-wildlife conflict compensation, and environmental licensing.
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Informanté
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism revealed 147 rhinos were immobilised and dehorned during 2025
“As part of efforts to protect rhino populations, the ministry revealed that 147 rhinos were immobilised and dehorned during 2025 as part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing poaching risks and discouraging illegal wildlife trade.”
Eight rhinos poached in Namibia since JanuaryWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced 2026 hunting season for game animals and game birds in Namibia
“The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has announced the 2026 hunting season for game animals and game birds in Namibia, with some hunting activities allowed until the end of August.”
Govt sets 2026 hunting season up to AugustInformanté
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that Deadvlei is open to self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles
“THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that Deadvlei is open to self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles, following confusion at Sossusvlei after new access regulations were introduced.”
Ministry clears air on Sossusvlei fiascoInformanté
Ministry said initial communication issues have been addressed
“The ministry said the situation is being monitored and that initial communication issues have been addressed, although industry players continue to call for clearer guidance and possible adjustments to ensure smoother operations at one of the country's most popular tourist attractions.”
Ministry clears air on Sossusvlei fiascoInformanté
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism arrested jointly poaching suspect in Orotjize village
“The suspect was arrested by a joint team of NDF, NamPol, and Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism officials in Orotjize village in the Ruacana policing area, following a poaching incident in the Etosha National Park.”
OMUSATI: Officers accused of assaulting suspect during anti-poaching operationWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is working with the municipality on land within Dorob National Park
“Shimbilinga said the municipality is working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on land that falls within Dorob National Park.”
OBSERVER COASTAL | Walvis Bay mayor vows to extinguish landfill firesInformanté
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism introduced the joint venture tourism model about 30 years ago
“a government-designed initiative introduced about 30 years ago through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to enable communities in remote areas to participate in and benefit from tourism.”
Hospitality association raises concern over scrutiny of JV tourism modelNew Era
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) announced only two categories of operators will be authorised to provide shuttle services to Deadvlei effective 1 May 2026
“Last week, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) announced that only two categories of operators will be authorised to provide shuttle services to Deadvlei in the Namib-Naukluft Park, effective 1 May 2026.”
Sossusvlei restrictions draw Schlettwein’s ireInformanté
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced Deadvlei access from Sossusvlei 2×4 parking area restricted to authorised shuttle services effective 01 May 2026
“THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has announced that, effective 01 May 2026, access to Deadvlei from the Sossusvlei 2×4 parking area will be restricted to authorised shuttle services, with self-driving beyond this point no longer permitted.”
Deadvlei access restricted to authorised shuttles from MayThe Namibian
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism was to provide concurrence for the reservation of the Okoutjete gold occurrence from prospecting and mining operations
“The endorsement, Theofelus said, is in terms of section 122(1) of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act of 1992, subject to consultation with and the concurrence of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.”
Cabinet prohibits mining activities at Kunene region villageA veld fire in the Omaruru district burned more than 10,000 hectares of grazing and natural veld across at least six farms before being brought under control on Monday night. Farmer Markus Trede attributed the difficulty in containing the fire to poor preparedness and lack of coordination among farmers, including gaps in knowledge about roads, water points, and farm access routes.
4 hours ago · The Namibian →
A veld fire in the Omaruru district burned more than 10,000 hectares of grazing and natural veld across at least six farms before being brought under control on Monday night. Farmer Markus Trede attributed the difficulty in containing the fire to poor preparedness and lack of coordination among farmers, including gaps in knowledge about roads, water points, and farm access routes.
4 hours ago · The Namibian →
The Namibian Competition Commission has reassured tourism stakeholders that its investigation into exclusive arrangements between conservancies and private tourism operators is part of its statutory mandate to enforce competition laws and promote fair market participation, and is committed to supporting the sector's stability and growth. The Commission is in constructive discussions with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to identify practical responses to concerns arising from the investigation.
7 hours ago · Informanté →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the fifth Sustainable Development Awards ceremony, calling for youth empowerment as a driver of Namibia's sustainable development and emphasizing that sustainable development is a shared national endeavour requiring commitment from all sectors of society.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism briefed on veld fires in northern Namibia, reporting that 3,269 hectares burned in Oshana during the last fire season. A second major fire burned 38,286 hectares across 16 areas, with the ministry identifying 17 priority fire cutlines for maintenance in 2026 to help prevent and mitigate wildfires.
4 September 2026 · New Era →
US Ambassador John Giordano, following a three-day field mission in Namibia, urged stronger law-enforcement focus on transnational criminal networks behind rhino poaching, arguing efforts must extend beyond arresting poachers to identifying traffickers, following money flows, and disrupting overseas markets.
27 August 2026 · Informanté →
Fishing industry workers, backed by community members and politicians, protested in Walvis Bay on Thursday against marine phosphate mining following the Ministry of Environment's issuance of an Environmental Clearance Certificate to the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project. Workers handed a petition calling for stricter scrutiny, citing concerns about potential impacts on fish stocks, jobs, and coastal livelihoods.
24 August 2026 · New Era →
Wildlife conservation organisations in Namibia have called for coordinated action on the conservation and protection of the country's large carnivores amid declining populations. Namibia is home to 34 terrestrial carnivore species, of which 11 are considered either threatened or near threatened.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has rejected former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein's claims that large-scale charcoal production threatens biodiversity, arguing instead that sustainable bush control can restore degraded rangelands and improve wildlife habitats. Schlettwein warned that removal of woody vegetation for charcoal could result in loss of tree and shrub-associated species, though the ministry countered that bush encroachment itself poses significant consequences for biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
New population estimates for Namibia's large carnivores, presented at a national Multi-Stakeholder Working Meeting, have raised concern over declining wildlife numbers and growing human-wildlife conflict. The data shows that of Namibia's 34 terrestrial carnivore species, 11 are considered threatened or near threatened, with species like cheetahs (estimated at about 1,200 individuals) and African wild dogs (estimated at 130–350 animals across 35 packs) among those affected.
17 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Competition Commission has formally initiated an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices involving tourism concessions and joint ventures, following a complaint lodged in September 2024 about restrictive agreements between conservancies and private operators. The investigation examines concerns including restrictive concession arrangements, unclear geographical boundaries, and joint-venture arrangements that may restrict competition.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun Foundation and National United Security Services donated essential items to the City of Windhoek Fire Brigade to support firefighting efforts around Windhoek. The Ongos veldfire, which affected approximately 4,700 hectares, has been extinguished, though a small active fire line was observed moving towards Daan Viljoen.
13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The All People's Party has criticised minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa for summoning traditional leaders to Rundu for consultations on Bwabwata National Park's customary status, questioning why he is summoning the leaders to meet him rather than travelling to meet the communities.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Environment Minister Indileni Daniel launched a Multilateral Environmental Agreements Monitoring and Reporting Platform at the University of Namibia to improve access to environmental information and support national planning, research and decision-making. The platform, developed with technical support from UNAM, serves as a central repository for environmental data for government, researchers and development partners.
9 August 2026 · Informanté →
A Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism report shows Namibia has spent more than N$45 million on 3,301 human-wildlife conflict cases since 2019, covering compensation for livestock and crop losses, injuries and fatalities. Conservancies in the Kunene region have stepped up efforts to reduce conflicts through monitoring and recording livestock losses to support farmers' compensation claims.
6 August 2026 · New Era →
Devastating wildfires in Dâures Constituency have destroyed grazing land and threatened communities, prompting the Namibian Air Force to assist in suppression efforts. The Dâures Constituency Office is coordinating an emergency response with the Erongo Regional Council, central government, traditional authorities, farmers and volunteers.
29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A total of 575 animals were moved from Etosha National Park to conservation areas across Namibia, including communal conservancies in the Kunene Region, as part of efforts to restore wildlife populations, improve ecological balance, and strengthen community-based conservation.
17 July 2026 · Informanté →
A total of 575 animals were translocated from Etosha National Park to conservation areas across Namibia, including communal conservancies in the Kunene Region, as part of efforts to restore wildlife populations, improve ecological balance, and strengthen community-based conservation. The translocation was led by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism through collaboration between government, communities, and conservation organisations.
17 July 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has extinguished a wildfire in the Khorixas area of Kunene Region after several days of firefighting operations. The fire affected 19,353 hectares of land in the region this year, and the ministry is urging the public to handle fire responsibly and cooperate during firefighting operations.
16 July 2026 · Informanté →
A wildfire in the Linyanti area of the Zambezi Region, which broke out over the weekend near the Namibia–Botswana border, was extinguished after a prolonged firefighting operation by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism supported by community members. The blaze burned approximately 7,340 hectares with no human fatalities or losses of wildlife or livestock recorded.
14 July 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's plastic bag levy has generated N$249 750 858.91 between the 2021/22 financial year and the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, with the revenue funding waste management, recycling and green economy projects. The levy, introduced under the Customs and Excise Act and expanded from 2018–2019, aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bags and promote environmentally responsible behaviour.
14 July 2026 · New Era →
Communal farmers in Kunene region are calling for an urgent review of the government's human-wildlife conflict offset payment scheme, saying current payments do not reflect the true value of their animals. The Otjikaambuti Farmers Association reports that lions have killed about 40 cattle and over 100 goats and sheep since January this year in villages near Etosha National Park.
13 July 2026 · New Era →
Firefighters and community members are battling a rapidly spreading wildfire at Linyanti in the Zambezi Region. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said the fire is spreading quickly due to strong winds and heavy fuel loads, with no reported losses of livestock, wildlife, or human lives so far.
13 July 2026 · Informanté →
The government and international partners, launching the GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project, emphasised that Namibia's green hydrogen transition must create opportunities for women, young people and local communities. The project aims to strengthen the country's policy framework, institutional capacity, technical readiness and environmental safeguards as it positions itself as a green hydrogen producer.
10 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Pupkewitz Toyota and Children in the Wilderness donated conservation equipment worth N$40,000 to rhino rangers protecting desert-adapted black rhinos in the Kunene Region. The donation, which includes backpacks, sleeping bags, binoculars, hiking shoes and knives, was distributed to rangers from Torra, Sesfontein and Anabeb conservancies.
9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Community members in Kavango East region's Hoha village achieved a successful winter vegetable harvest under the Adaptation to South-Western African Communities Project, with farmers receiving training in climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and organic soil enrichment methods. Local small-scale farmer Martina Ntjinano said the project skills have enabled her to produce food for household consumption and sale, reducing reliance on government drought relief.
8 July 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has finished a controlled burning exercise in Etosha National Park to reduce excess vegetation and firebreak risks during the August–November wildfire season. The measures, including grading of firebreaks, are expected to reduce the intensity and spread of fires compared to last year.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told the inaugural Namibia Customer Care and Effective Service Delivery Conference that service delivery is central to institutional credibility and national development. A Citizen Satisfaction Survey recorded 54% overall public satisfaction with government service delivery; the Ministry of Home Affairs recorded about 50%.
29 June 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia welcomed 1,217,108 tourists in 2025, down from 1,257,093 in 2024, a decline the tourism minister attributed to global economic conditions, shifting traveller preferences, intensifying competition from other destinations, and concerns about visitor safety and security.
29 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and animal products in Oshikunde, Okongo, and Mpungu constituencies have been lifted following a buffalo sighting in May that tested negative for Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
13 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will be undertaken to advance the Neckartal Dam project into Phase Two, which aims to develop the irrigation component. The project covers approximately 19,000 hectares of government farms in the //Kharas Region.
12 June 2026 · Informanté →