Go Green Fund backs environmental projects

The Nedbank Go Green Fund has awarded N$700 000 to three projects focused on environmental education, climate action and conservation in Namibia.

The funded initiatives are the Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP); the //Kharas Region Pilot Carbon Footprint Challenge and awareness campaign on plant poaching as a threat to the Succulent Karoo vegetation biome; and a project to strengthen botanical collections and conservation skills among future botanists.

KEEP, implemented by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), focuses on environmental education and has already reached more than 20,000 learners.

The //Kharas project, implemented by the Omut̯ati Environmental Education and Sustainability Foundation (OEESF), will involve schools in practical activities including tree planting, energy conservation and waste management. It will also raise awareness of plant poaching and its impact on the Succulent Karoo.

The third project, implemented by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), aims to increase awareness of Namibia’s plant diversity while strengthening local expertise in botany and conservation.

The projects were assessed on their environmental relevance, community impact, sustainability potential and capacity to implement the proposed work.

Namibia Nature Foundation director of programmes Frances Chase said environmental challenges required sustained collaboration between the private sector and civil society.

“We recognise that addressing today’s environmental challenges requires strong partnerships built on a shared vision and long-term commitment,” Chase said.

Nedbank Namibia chief financial officer Victor Maengahama said the fund was intended to support projects that could deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.

“The Go Green Fund reflects Nedbank Namibia’s long-term vision to invest in solutions that create enduring value for both communities and ecosystems,” he said.

The Go Green Fund was established in 2001 through a partnership between Nedbank Namibia and the Namibia Nature Foundation. It has since supported initiatives combining environmental conservation with community development.

The latest funding continues the fund’s focus on education, behavioural change and conservation capacity as part of efforts to protect Namibia’s natural environment.