Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Tourism & Environment

Parks, wildlife, conservation, the coast.

Tourism & Environment

/Nami #Nus: wildlife decline reflects unsustainable resource management

The News

The Namibian publishes a personal essay on how the Omaheke region's place name /Nami #Nus (meaning "Ostrich Farm" in Khoekhoegowab) once reflected thriving wildlife, but ostriches were hunted to near-extinction for their skins in the 1970s and beyond, illustrating the consequences of short-term exploitation without regard for sustainability.

Why it matters

Historical wildlife decline in Omaheke illustrates long-term consequences of unsustainable resource exploitation without conservation planning.

16 hours ago · The Namibian

Yesterday

  1. /Nami #Nus: wildlife decline reflects unsustainable resource management

    The Namibian publishes a personal essay on how the Omaheke region's place name /Nami #Nus (meaning "Ostrich Farm" in Khoekhoegowab) once reflected thriving wildlife, but ostriches were hunted to near-extinction for their skins in the 1970s and beyond, illustrating the consequences of short-term exploitation without regard for sustainability.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Disposable nappies pose growing waste challenge for Oshikoto

    Improper disposal of disposable nappies is contributing to pollution and pressure on waste management systems in Oshikoto region, particularly in Onyaanya, Oniipa and Onayena constituencies, according to a Strategic Environmental Assessment for the regional land-use plan.

    20 hours ago · The Namibian

Saturday 6 June

  1. Antarctic blue and fin whales show recovery in South-East Atlantic

    Research from the University of Cape Town spanning over 60 years of sightings and strandings in Namibia and South Africa's West Coast shows increasing sightings of Antarctic blue whales and fin whales, suggesting slow recovery from industrial whaling. Though sightings remain rare, Antarctic blue whales—currently at around 3% of pre-whaling populations—are increasing at about 5–8% per year with sustained protection.

    6 June 2026 · Informanté

Friday 5 June

  1. Protected habitat maintains stable brown hyena population

    Brown hyenas in Tsau //Khaeb National Park have remained stable since 1997 with an estimated 200 to 300 individuals in the park, benefiting from successful breeding and low human disturbance. The Brown Hyena Research Project, supported by Namdeb and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, studies the species' movements and warns that fences and busy roads could disrupt their long-distance coastal travels and threaten the population.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Deputy commissioner: Nature offers solutions to climate change

    Namibia's deputy environmental commissioner Caroline Garus-Oas says protecting natural ecosystems such as forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands is critical in addressing climate change, noting that trees and algae absorb carbon dioxide and help maintain environmental balance. She also advocates for sustainable cities incorporating climate-smart buildings, solar energy and green spaces as nature-based solutions.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Firewood use in Windhoek settlements drives deforestation

    Firewood remains a primary energy source for many families in Windhoek's informal settlements, contributing to deforestation and land degradation around the capital.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Eight practical steps individuals can take on climate

    Over a decade after the Paris Agreement, the world continues to emit greenhouse gasses at record levels from fossil fuel burning. Experts say individuals have an important role to play alongside governments and businesses in reducing emissions, and offer practical steps such as using alternative transport, which can save up to two tonnes of emissions annually.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 4 June

  1. Swakopmund unveils welcome sign to boost tourism

    Swakopmund officially unveiled a new welcome sign on Tuesday in a ceremony marking what the mayor described as the first step in a strategy to boost tourism and support local business. Two additional welcome signs are planned for strategic locations on the B2 Road from Arandis and the road to Henties Bay.

    4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Swakopmund Municipality opens upgraded Mole facilities and welcome sign

    The Municipality of Swakopmund has officially opened four newly upgraded Mole Cubicles serving as storage and trading facilities for local SMEs, alongside a Boom Tower housing public toilets and a security services room, constructed at a cost of N$4.8 million. The municipality also inaugurated a new Welcome to Swakopmund sign and Instagram frame, one of three new welcome signs planned for the town.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Edelweiss launches nonstop flights from Zurich to Windhoek

    Swiss carrier Edelweiss has begun non-stop service between Zurich and Windhoek with two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays, adding a third frequency on Wednesdays from July 2026. The inaugural flight landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday carrying 285 passengers.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Edelweiss launches direct Zurich-Windhoek flights twice weekly

    Swiss airline Edelweiss has begun direct flights between Zurich and Hosea Kutako International Airport, initially operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, with a third weekly flight to begin 15 July 2026. The inaugural flight on 1 June carried 285 passengers inbound and 261 outbound, marking the first non-stop commercial air link between Switzerland and Namibia.

    2 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Edelweiss inaugurates twice-weekly Zurich-Windhoek direct service

    Edelweiss airline launched a non-stop commercial service between Zurich and Windhoek, carrying 285 passengers on the inaugural flight to Namibia and 261 departing for Switzerland. The Namibia Airports Company says the service will initially operate twice weekly, with plans to expand to three weekly flights from mid-July, marking a milestone for the country's aviation and tourism sectors.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian

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