20% of Namibia’s forests cut down in 30 years

Namibia has lost nearly 20% of its forest area during the past 30 years as a result of the unsustainable use of resources.However, the country remains committed to reversing this worrying trend by reducing deforestation and promoting tree planting, forestry minister Pohamba Shifeta said.To this end, the ministry is strongly considering the introduction of a provision in the law that will compel everyone who harvests vegetation to plant more trees and care for them.Shifeta said this at a national forestry conference held under the theme ‘The Future of Namibia’s Forests: Sustainable Forest Management as Key to Unlock its Potential’.He said with only eight years remaining to reach the 2030 targets as set out in the revised nationally determined contribution, Namibia is taking action to reduce the impacts of climate change.LivelihoodForests do not only play a significant role in mitigating climate change, but many people depend on forests and their products for their livelihoods, he said.“Sustainable forest management is thus essential to the alleviation of poverty.”The minister added that forests are generally located in rural areas and are often the main source of jobs, building materials, energy, infrastructure, skills development and business opportunities for communities.“We must, therefore, take urgent action to reverse the rate at which deforestation is taking place and aggressively embark on reforestation and afforestation programmes.”Vital lessonsShifeta said the ministry is carrying out research on how to propagate native tree species, with a view to make tree seedlings available for community members to plant these species.The ministry has been implementing the community-based natural resource management programme in forest management, which has seen 43 community forests established across the country.He pointed out that when forests are well managed, they offer nature-friendly solutions to most global challenges – from improved adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss to building resilience against future crises.“When forests are protected, they play a crucial role in eradicating poverty, growing food, improving energy security and maintaining vital watersheds. When forests are valued, they support the livelihoods of the most vulnerable segments of our society.“When forests are healthy, they work as a natural buffer against the transmission of diseases.”Shifeta added that one of the vital lessons learnt throughout the world is that sustainable forest management is only possible when local people are actively involved and experience tangible benefits from their involvement.

20% of Namibia’s forests cut down in 30 years

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-13

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20% of Namibia’s forests cut down in 30 years

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-13

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