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April 2026
The Namibian
Vilho Hangulastated that the human-wildlife conflict scheme does not providemeat to affected families, only N$100,000 for funeral expenses
Source
“Hangula said Namibia's human-wildlife conflict scheme does not make provision for affected families to be given meat, but provides N$100 000 for funeral expenses.”
Vilho Hangulaconfirmedhoneybee importation poses significant risks to native bee species
Source
“Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesperson Vilho Hangula has confirmed that the importation of honeybees would pose significant risks to Namibia's native bee species as it carries high risk for introduction of diseases, pathogens, mites and pests.”
Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangulasaidinauguration marks important step in strengthening wildlife protection and improving waste management in Etosha
Source
“Hangula said the inauguration marks an important step in strengthening wildlife protection and improving waste management in one of Namibia's most important national parks.”
Ministry of environment spokesperson Vilho Hangulanoted that it is premature to discuss payment of offset amounts tothe family
Source
“The spokesperson for the ministry of environment, Vilho Hangula, noted that it is premature to discuss payment of offset amounts to the family, as investigations are still underway.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Namibia's aircraft operators say restrictive visa and work permit processes are constraining pilot availability, threatening aviation safety and tourism. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association notes that Namibia's pilot pool is exhausted, with only 2% of recent pilot job applicants being Namibian nationals, and calls for the Home Affairs ministry to expedite work permits for qualified foreign commercial pilots and flight instructors.
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.
The Johanna Jacobs Vocational Training Centre at Gibeon is proposing a biodiversity and restoration programme to remove invasive prosopis (makarakasha) trees that consume large quantities of water and damage infrastructure. The centre plans to harvest timber for productive use and introduce fish farming and superfruit orchards to transform the area into an agricultural hub.
Namibia's environment and tourism ministry will inaugurate new light infrastructure, a solid waste management facility, and Wildlife Protection Service duty stations at Etosha National Park on 28 March. The improvements aim to strengthen ranger patrols against poaching, improve wildlife monitoring, and manage visitor waste to protect animals and the park's natural environment.
Three men were arrested and granted bail after allegedly shooting an elephant in Omusati region that subsequently killed a 46-year-old woman who was provoked the animal. Police registered a case of illegal hunting; the suspects allegedly used a .303 hunting rifle on the protected animal, valued at about N$295,000.
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.
A 46-year-old woman, Klaudia Mwaala, died in Omugulugombashe village after being attacked by a roaming elephant while attempting to take pictures with it. The incident has sparked calls from residents for improved government response and wildlife awareness, and ministry officials have urged the public to refrain from engaging with wild animals and report sightings to authorities instead.
Conservancies representing the Sorris Sorris area have submitted an assessment to government arguing that the Goantagab tin mining project is financially unfeasible and environmentally damaging, disputing figures from Andrada Mining's agreement to buy ore from the mine. The project has faced a protracted legal battle over environmental clearance, with conservancies requesting the ministers of mines and environment withdraw the area from mining exploration.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has linked baboon attacks on Goreangab residents to poor waste management and urged proper disposal of waste, after failed attempts to scare the animals away. The City of Windhoek acknowledged the recurring incidents and said it lacks a comprehensive policy on human-wildlife conflict, but is investigating the provision of waste management facilities in the affected area.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has urged Windhoek residents to manage waste responsibly after increased baboon sightings in areas like Goreagab and Kwanangombe, where the animals have been entering homes, damaging property, and stealing food. The ministry's spokesperson said the baboons are drawn to urban areas by improperly managed waste and called on residents to work together to fence off the animals or relocate them without harm, as only law enforcement are permitted to use firearms in the city.