Charcoal association says its members have maintained a clean record
The Charcoal Association of Namibia (CAoN) said its members have maintained an impeccable record, with no fires originating from their operations over the past three years.
According to the association, strict regulations, firebreaks, and controlled burns are standard requirements for charcoal producers, ensuring compliance with both national mandates and international standards, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.
While distancing itself from blame for causing the latest Etosha fires, the association said the blaze highlights gaps in prevention and oversight that could have devastating consequences if left unaddressed.
CAoN said prevention measures are not applied equally across sectors.
It pointed to Farm Heellaas, the site where the fire reportedly began, stating that mandated firebreaks by the Directorate of Forestry had not been implemented there.
In contrast, the association said, its members would never have been granted permits without meeting these standards.
“Double standards weaken compliance and confidence in regulation,” the association notes, “and jeopardise Namibia’s international competitiveness.”
Responsibility
The association added that Etosha National Park itself, managed by the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), appears to lack the same fire preparedness demanded of neighbouring farmers.
As custodian of one of the world’s most unique natural reserves, CAoN said the environment ministry bears responsibility for preventing such disasters.
The ecological and economic impact of the current fire, it warned, could be severe.
CAoN stressed that focusing blame on the charcoal sector distracts from the broader goal of the National Policy on Forest and Veld Fire Management.
It said that while charcoal producers have demonstrated diligence and adherence to safety standards, other sectors—including resettlement and small-scale farms—often lack the same capacity or enforcement. Where gaps exist, state support is essential.
International reputation
The association concluded by calling for consistent enforcement of fire prevention standards across all sectors.
Equal rules for all, it said, are not only fair but also vital to protecting Namibia’s people, wildlife, and international reputation.
In its own statement last week, the environment ministry said the wildfire that swept through the south-western part of Etosha on Monday evening was suspected to have started from nearby charcoal production activities.
By Friday, it was estimated that 300 000 hectares of land had been destroyed in the park.
The ministry added that all efforts were being made to contain the blaze and protect wildlife.
According to the association, strict regulations, firebreaks, and controlled burns are standard requirements for charcoal producers, ensuring compliance with both national mandates and international standards, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.
While distancing itself from blame for causing the latest Etosha fires, the association said the blaze highlights gaps in prevention and oversight that could have devastating consequences if left unaddressed.
CAoN said prevention measures are not applied equally across sectors.
It pointed to Farm Heellaas, the site where the fire reportedly began, stating that mandated firebreaks by the Directorate of Forestry had not been implemented there.
In contrast, the association said, its members would never have been granted permits without meeting these standards.
“Double standards weaken compliance and confidence in regulation,” the association notes, “and jeopardise Namibia’s international competitiveness.”
Responsibility
The association added that Etosha National Park itself, managed by the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), appears to lack the same fire preparedness demanded of neighbouring farmers.
As custodian of one of the world’s most unique natural reserves, CAoN said the environment ministry bears responsibility for preventing such disasters.
The ecological and economic impact of the current fire, it warned, could be severe.
CAoN stressed that focusing blame on the charcoal sector distracts from the broader goal of the National Policy on Forest and Veld Fire Management.
It said that while charcoal producers have demonstrated diligence and adherence to safety standards, other sectors—including resettlement and small-scale farms—often lack the same capacity or enforcement. Where gaps exist, state support is essential.
International reputation
The association concluded by calling for consistent enforcement of fire prevention standards across all sectors.
Equal rules for all, it said, are not only fair but also vital to protecting Namibia’s people, wildlife, and international reputation.
In its own statement last week, the environment ministry said the wildfire that swept through the south-western part of Etosha on Monday evening was suspected to have started from nearby charcoal production activities.
By Friday, it was estimated that 300 000 hectares of land had been destroyed in the park.
The ministry added that all efforts were being made to contain the blaze and protect wildlife.
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