Litterbugs beware

Littering and other environmental damage will not be tolerated in Namibia's national parks and protected areas this festive season.

The environment ministry, together with the police, will enforce the new ban on plastic bags and maintain law and order in national parks and on beaches.

Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta says it is important for holidaymakers to note that most of Namibia's coastline is situated in a protected area.

This includes the beaches between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, which are part of the Dorob and Namib-Naukluft national parks.

“A worrying trend of littering and irresponsible waste disposal has been observed over the years at recreational facilities and other areas,” says Shifeta.

He urges all holidaymakers to use the available waste-disposal facilities. Where such facilities are not available, provisions must be made for disposing of any waste without littering.

Shifeta says Namibia intends to raise the bar in conservation and environmental protection, and to become a tourist destination of choice.

“We are endeavouring to deliver this through concerted efforts in implementing the legislation and policies that guide our activities.”

He therefore encourages tourists and holidaymakers to be part of this exciting transformation by observing the country's environmental laws and regulations.

“We are appealing to the world to complement the efforts of the ministry, particularly during the festive season.”

The festive season is characterised by travelling and recreational activities, which generate a lot of waste that ends up littering roadsides, towns and even national parks.

“This year we have seen calls from President Hage Geingob for a cleaner Namibia. This is in recognition of the fact that Namibia's reputation as one of the cleanest countries on the African continent is in jeopardy,” the environment minister says.

Shifeta emphasises that littering spoils the country's natural beauty and is hazardous to animal and human health.

“Namibian tourism is mainly driven by our magnificent wildlife species and our spectacular landscapes,” he points out. Shifeta says considering tourism's enormous contribution to the country's GDP and employment creation, national parks and landscapes should be protected from any risk that threatens their reputation, including littering.

“To ensure this I recently announced a ban on plastic carrier bags in all 20 pristine national parks, including those at the coast. I want to urge our visitors and all holidaymakers visiting national parks to observe this restriction without fail.”

Shifeta believes this is the turning point, the moment of reckoning and transformation in safeguarding the environment in Namibia.

He says the habit of throwing bottles, plastic bags and other rubbish from cars should stop.

He calls on business people, especially liquor stores, to help keep Namibia clean by implementing initiatives that promote safe disposal of waste.

“I also call upon the regional councils, local authorities, traditional authorities, churches, NGOs and the private sector to provide means for the safe disposal of materials.”

ELLANIE SMIT