Showing posts with label Ministry of Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry of Environment. Show all posts

Thursday, 16 January 2025

Namibia: Etosha National Park: Condition of roads is being addressed

Etosha National Park: Condition of roads is being addressed

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced on 29 October 2024 that the condition of roads in the Etosha National Park is being addressed as matter of urgency. According to the Ministry, the deterioration of the road between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, for instance, is impacted by large traffic volumes. This leads to loss of gravel, severe corrugations, potholes and drainage problems. As an immediate remedy, three graders have been deployed to blade the roads between Halali and Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali as well as between Namutoni and King Nehale Gate. The Ministry anticipates that this intervention will improve the road condition in the specified sections within a period of two weeks. Furthermore, the roads from Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni to King Nehale Gate will soon be upgraded from gravel to low-seal volume (tarred road).

While the road situation in Etosha National Park is being addressed, the Ministry encourages visitors to consider alternative routes from Okaukuejo to Halali via Gemsbokvlagte, Olifantsbad and Aus for a better travel experience.

Since 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has successfully rehabilitated the western section of the tourist road between Okaukuejo and Galton Gate, completing over 200 kilometers of road upgrade by March 2024.

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Sunday, 28 April 2024

Namibia: Hiking season starts at Fish River Canyon

Hiking season starts at Fish River Canyon

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), have announced that there is sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season in May.

NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said this in a press release.

“We are pleased to announce that, following a thorough appraisal of water resources in Fish River Canyon, there is sufficient water available for the upcoming hiking season.

“This means hikers can look forward to a rewarding experience,” he said.

Ashipala said water marshals will be stationed at strategic points along the hiking routes, including King Palace and Bushy Corner, to ensure the safety and well-being of all hikers.

“These marshals are part of our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable hiking environment,” he said.

NWR will also launch a new Responsible Hiking Campaign, starting next week.

“Our social media channels will feature valuable tips on hiking preparation, safety and environmental responsibility,” said Ashipala, adding that these tips are designed to enhance the hiking experience, while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.

“We encourage all interested hikers to stay tuned to our social media platforms and to prepare themselves for a memorable adventure in one of Namibia’s most breathtaking landscapes,” he said.

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Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Grow Namibia launches online tickets

Grow Namibia launches online tickets

The Grow Namibia Foundation, a trailblazing initiative dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment, announced the launch of a groundbreaking ticketing and permit booking system. This innovative platform, a first-of-its-kind in the country, is set to transform the way tourists experience the country’s iconic destinations, starting with Etosha and Sossusvlei national parks’ permits.

According to the foundation, the tickets and permits booking system represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of responsible and sustainable tourism practices. It said by providing tourists with the opportunity to book park permits or tickets in advance, the aim is to enhance smooth visitor experiences, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the preservation of Namibia’s pristine treasures, and provide support to the national authorities, such as Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Heritage Council or museums association.

“Our goal is to offer tourists a seamless and convenient way to explore Namibia’s stunning national treasures while upholding our commitment to conservation and community empowerment,” said Heiko Dörgeloh, founder of The Grow Namibia Foundation.

“Through this pioneering system, we aim to strike a harmonious balance between promoting tourism, protecting our natural heritage, providing a convenience service to travellers, operators or agents, and fostering economic opportunities for local conservancies and communities.”

The launch of the tickets and permits booking system is an extension of The Grow Namibia Foundation’s broader mission. With a focus on conservation, sustainability, and community development, the foundation aims to consistently push the boundaries of innovation to create positive change in the Namibian tourism landscape.

He said by enabling tourists to secure their park permits and tickets in advance, the system seeks to reduce congestion and save time at entrances, minimise the ecological footprint of tourism activities, and provide park authorities with valuable data to manage visitor flows effectively. Additionally, the platform empowers tourists or agents and operators to plan visits with ease, contributing to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

“We believe that sustainable tourism goes hand in hand with innovative solutions that enhance both visitor satisfaction and environmental protection, along with positive supporting alliances with authorities,” added Heiko.

“The tickets and permit booking system is a first step and testament to our commitment to driving positive change through technology and collaboration.”

The launch of the new system commences with Etosha and Sossusvlei parks’ permits, representing two of the country’s most iconic and sought-after destinations. As part of The Grow Namibia Foundation’s holistic approach, a portion of the proceeds from each ticket or permit sold shall be reinvested into conservation efforts and community development initiatives, such as the Namibian Tourism Fund, creating a positive cycle of support for both the environment and the people of Namibia.

For travellers seeking to embark on a journey of discovery while making a meaningful impact, The Grow Namibia Foundation’s booking system presents a unique opportunity. As the platform expands to include more parks and destinations, projects and initiatives, tourists can look forward to an enhanced, sustainable, and unforgettable exploration of Namibia’s wonder destinations.

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Friday, 16 September 2022

Namibia: Rhinoceros poaching is on increase

Rhinoceros poaching is on increase in Namibia

Namibia is experiencing a surge in poaching, with the number of poached rhinoceros rising to 48 this year, according to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

In a Ministry statement, it said that of the poached rhinoceros, 32 were black rhinoceros and 16 were white rhinoceros.

Poaching has become more prevalent in private farms as well as black rhino custodianship farms. The Ministry is busy implementing new measures across the board to counter this surge.

Anti-Poaching Units in private farms are being strengthened while police and Ministry law enforcement officials are being roped in to assist private farmers with intelligence, law enforcement and patrols, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ministry will also be availing the services of its helicopter for aerial patrols in hotspot areas.

According to Ministry, the figure included three carcasses discovered in June and recently confirmed as poached after a thorough assessment in the Etosha National Park while the Ministry also discovered two more carcasses last week, bringing the total to 20 poached in Etosha.

He said that 12 black rhinos were poached on custodianship farms while 16 white rhinos were poached on private farms.

"We want to assure the public that the Ministry with its stakeholders will pull resources together in stopping this new surge of poaching," said the Ministry spokesperson, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected case of poaching and other wildlife crimes.

Namibia boasts the largest population of free-roaming black rhinoceros in the world and has rebuilt the white rhinoceros population after local extinction during the colonial era.

The country recorded 44 rhinoceros poached in 2021, 42 in 2020, 57 in 2019, 83 in 2018, and 55 in 2017.

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