FAO commits to turning Eenhana green

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) handed over a nursery and gardening materials valued at over N$630 000 in Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region on Friday as part of efforts to enhance climate action.The handover forms part of a project titled 'Green Cities Initiative: Flagship Cities for Integrated Green Oases and Food Systems'.The nursery, gardening and planting items include essential nursery and greenhouse materials, gardening tools, horticultural seeds, 900 fruit tree seedlings, 490 forestry seedlings and a solar-powered pump.The handover coincided with Africa being selected as the fourth continent to host the Earthshot Prize, with South Africa chosen as the venue for Earthshot Week 2024.FAO representative in Namibia, Qingyun Diao, said the initiative aims to ensure the people of Eenhana benefit from greener surroundings, better nutrition and improved livelihoods.Diao said the FAO launched the green cities initiative in 2020 as part of a global effort to improve the livelihoods and well-being of urban and per-urban populations.“The initiative focuses on creating greener, healthier and more sustainable urban spaces through nature-based solutions, urban agriculture, and better natural resource management,” she said.Resilient systemsDiao said these activities will help expand green spaces in Eenhana, reduce the town’s vulnerability to climate change, improve local biodiversity and create a more resilient urban ecosystem.“Through this initiative, FAO is promoting better nutrition by increasing access to locally produced, nutritious food,” she said, adding that this approach is key to addressing food security challenges and promoting healthy eating habits in urban settings like Eenhana.“This nursery will supply tree seedlings, fruit plants and vegetables, bringing multiple benefits to the town of Eenhana,” she noted.She said it will not only enhance green spaces, but help combat air pollution, provide shade and improve the overall environment, contributing to community well-being.Eenhana mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje said there is a common goal “to boost climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as strengthen the resilience of city dwellers, particularly in light of the ongoing global food insecurities”.Kavandje said the town is dedicated to raising awareness of green urban areas and urban forestry.“To enhance the resilience and preparedness of both city governments and urban residents for the future, it is essential to rethink urban planning and design, giving prominence to urban green spaces and urban forestry,” he said.

FAO commits to turning Eenhana green

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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FAO commits to turning Eenhana green

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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