Littering and pollution rampant
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
Deforestation and the illegal harvesting of timber and other forest resources have become so common in recent years that the health of precious woodland ecosystems is now under threat.
There are also other pressing challenges to the environment, including littering, pollution, habitat destruction caused by mining and infrastructure development, desertification due to climate change, and environmental degradation through unsustainable land use practices and of natural resources.
This is according to a joint statement released by the environment ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for World Environment Day, which was commemorated this past Friday. Namibians should interact with the natural environment by being conscious of the negative impact their actions may have on it, the statement said.
It called on all Namibians to reflect on their relationship with the natural environment while commemorating World Environment Day.
“Even though our livelihoods depend on the environment, more needs to be done to safeguard and foster its ability to sustain our livelihoods.”
This year's theme, 'Time for Nature', recognised that global change requires a global community to collectively take urgent actions. It pushes for individuals to think about the way they consume, for businesses to develop greener models, for farmers and manufacturers to produce more sustainably, for governments to safeguard wild species, for educators to inspire students to live in harmony with the earth and for youth to become fierce gatekeepers of a greener future.
“It is our belief that the natural disasters that continue to disrupt our lives at global and country level such as droughts, floods and diseases are caused by a lack of collective effort towards the caring and protection of the environment.”
No to poaching
The statement said any disturbance to the environment that affects the essential services that nature provides, such as raw materials, water, clean air and energy, jeopardises life itself.
“Biodiversity is especially significant to Namibia with about 70% of our people depending on natural resources-based productivity systems for their survival.”
The statement said the country should be concerned and stand together against illicit activities that have the potential to harm the environment.
It said poaching is one of the biggest threats to the natural environment as it threatens the population of iconic wildlife species such as elephants and rhinos.
WINDHOEK
Deforestation and the illegal harvesting of timber and other forest resources have become so common in recent years that the health of precious woodland ecosystems is now under threat.
There are also other pressing challenges to the environment, including littering, pollution, habitat destruction caused by mining and infrastructure development, desertification due to climate change, and environmental degradation through unsustainable land use practices and of natural resources.
This is according to a joint statement released by the environment ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for World Environment Day, which was commemorated this past Friday. Namibians should interact with the natural environment by being conscious of the negative impact their actions may have on it, the statement said.
It called on all Namibians to reflect on their relationship with the natural environment while commemorating World Environment Day.
“Even though our livelihoods depend on the environment, more needs to be done to safeguard and foster its ability to sustain our livelihoods.”
This year's theme, 'Time for Nature', recognised that global change requires a global community to collectively take urgent actions. It pushes for individuals to think about the way they consume, for businesses to develop greener models, for farmers and manufacturers to produce more sustainably, for governments to safeguard wild species, for educators to inspire students to live in harmony with the earth and for youth to become fierce gatekeepers of a greener future.
“It is our belief that the natural disasters that continue to disrupt our lives at global and country level such as droughts, floods and diseases are caused by a lack of collective effort towards the caring and protection of the environment.”
No to poaching
The statement said any disturbance to the environment that affects the essential services that nature provides, such as raw materials, water, clean air and energy, jeopardises life itself.
“Biodiversity is especially significant to Namibia with about 70% of our people depending on natural resources-based productivity systems for their survival.”
The statement said the country should be concerned and stand together against illicit activities that have the potential to harm the environment.
It said poaching is one of the biggest threats to the natural environment as it threatens the population of iconic wildlife species such as elephants and rhinos.
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