Weak laws fuel Namibia’s veldfire crisis
Namibia seeks stronger fire management after years without policy
The recent wildfires in Etosha National Park and across Namibia have once again highlighted a glaring weakness in the country’s fire management system: the absence of effective legislation.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) stated that while most veldfires are caused by individual negligence, Namibia lacks comprehensive fire regulations to hold perpetrators accountable.
It said that, unlike South Africa, where veldfire laws clearly outline responsibilities and penalties, Namibia’s legal framework remains fragmented.
According to the union, this gap makes it nearly impossible to prosecute offenders—even when reckless actions cause millions in damages to grazing land, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.
The NAU said that for years, the government has promised stronger laws.
The proposed new Forestry Act and its accompanying veldfire regulations contain crucial provisions for prevention, suppression, and accountability.
Yet the draft has been stalled in government corridors, with no clear timeline for approval.
Desertification
Meanwhile, the costs of delay are mounting.
According to the NAU, uncontrolled veld fires are not only devastating to communities and farms but also accelerate desertification and release vast amounts of greenhouse gases, undermining Namibia’s environmental commitments.
It said that without enforceable legislation, awareness campaigns and policies will have limited impact.
Firebreaks, controlled burns, and community training are vital tools—but without accountability, negligence will continue unchecked.
The new draft veldfire management policy for 2026 to 2031 stresses prevention and integrated fire management, but unless Parliament fast-tracks the long-delayed legislation, Namibia will remain vulnerable to catastrophic, preventable blazes.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) stated that while most veldfires are caused by individual negligence, Namibia lacks comprehensive fire regulations to hold perpetrators accountable.
It said that, unlike South Africa, where veldfire laws clearly outline responsibilities and penalties, Namibia’s legal framework remains fragmented.
According to the union, this gap makes it nearly impossible to prosecute offenders—even when reckless actions cause millions in damages to grazing land, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.
The NAU said that for years, the government has promised stronger laws.
The proposed new Forestry Act and its accompanying veldfire regulations contain crucial provisions for prevention, suppression, and accountability.
Yet the draft has been stalled in government corridors, with no clear timeline for approval.
Desertification
Meanwhile, the costs of delay are mounting.
According to the NAU, uncontrolled veld fires are not only devastating to communities and farms but also accelerate desertification and release vast amounts of greenhouse gases, undermining Namibia’s environmental commitments.
It said that without enforceable legislation, awareness campaigns and policies will have limited impact.
Firebreaks, controlled burns, and community training are vital tools—but without accountability, negligence will continue unchecked.
The new draft veldfire management policy for 2026 to 2031 stresses prevention and integrated fire management, but unless Parliament fast-tracks the long-delayed legislation, Namibia will remain vulnerable to catastrophic, preventable blazes.
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