Plastic bags not yet banned
Regulations still need to be implemented before plastic bags are completely banned in Namibia's national parks.
This is according to the environment ministry, who responded to a public notice issued by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) last week, which said plastic bags will no longer be allowed in the country's national parks, with immediate effect.
The notice said any plastic found in the possession of visitors will be removed by the environment ministry's personnel, when they enter national parks.
Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda confirmed that an amendment to the Nature Conservation Ordinance 1974 to restrict the use of plastic bags in national parks was approved and gazetted on 13 April last year.
“This restriction or ban implies that no single use of plastic bags will be allowed in the national parks of Namibia.”
However, these regulations are not yet implemented, as the ministry is still putting measures and systems in place before full implementation, said Muyunda.
According to him such systems and measures include, among others, the provision of waste and plastic disposal bins and proper signage at each park entry gate, to inform park visitors, residents and tourists accordingly.
In this regard, the ministry is developing modalities for implementing these regulations in national parks, and such modalities and an implementation plan will be communicated soon.
Muyunda said the intention is to ensure Namibia's parks are clean and free from plastic bags, considering their harm to wildlife and the environment.
“As the environment ministry, it is our view that all types of litter negatively affect the pristine nature of Namibia's environment, the quality of life of its population and creates a bad impression among our visitors.”
Muyunda said further plastic bags warrant particular attention and regulatory measures to curb their use.
This is mainly because of their prevalence, visibility, durability and the harmful effects they have on wildlife, humans, aquatic biota and the broader environment.
NWR spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano told Namibian Sun it supports the environment ministry's position.
“It is common knowledge that plastic bags have a negative on the environment. Therefore this steps aims to mitigate that.”
He said when it comes to the national parks, NWR does not see why visitors will not adhere to this requirement. “As this is a rule like all other park rules, visitors are expected to follow.”
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has been outspoken about the banning of plastic bags in Namibia.
He recently said regulatory measures to reduce the use of plastic bags in Namibia will be finalised within this financial year.
These measures may include the banning of plastic bags or their taxation.
Shifeta said proposed measures are currently being discussed with stakeholders and once finalised, they will be introduced and shared with the public.
ELLANIE SMIT
This is according to the environment ministry, who responded to a public notice issued by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) last week, which said plastic bags will no longer be allowed in the country's national parks, with immediate effect.
The notice said any plastic found in the possession of visitors will be removed by the environment ministry's personnel, when they enter national parks.
Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda confirmed that an amendment to the Nature Conservation Ordinance 1974 to restrict the use of plastic bags in national parks was approved and gazetted on 13 April last year.
“This restriction or ban implies that no single use of plastic bags will be allowed in the national parks of Namibia.”
However, these regulations are not yet implemented, as the ministry is still putting measures and systems in place before full implementation, said Muyunda.
According to him such systems and measures include, among others, the provision of waste and plastic disposal bins and proper signage at each park entry gate, to inform park visitors, residents and tourists accordingly.
In this regard, the ministry is developing modalities for implementing these regulations in national parks, and such modalities and an implementation plan will be communicated soon.
Muyunda said the intention is to ensure Namibia's parks are clean and free from plastic bags, considering their harm to wildlife and the environment.
“As the environment ministry, it is our view that all types of litter negatively affect the pristine nature of Namibia's environment, the quality of life of its population and creates a bad impression among our visitors.”
Muyunda said further plastic bags warrant particular attention and regulatory measures to curb their use.
This is mainly because of their prevalence, visibility, durability and the harmful effects they have on wildlife, humans, aquatic biota and the broader environment.
NWR spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano told Namibian Sun it supports the environment ministry's position.
“It is common knowledge that plastic bags have a negative on the environment. Therefore this steps aims to mitigate that.”
He said when it comes to the national parks, NWR does not see why visitors will not adhere to this requirement. “As this is a rule like all other park rules, visitors are expected to follow.”
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has been outspoken about the banning of plastic bags in Namibia.
He recently said regulatory measures to reduce the use of plastic bags in Namibia will be finalised within this financial year.
These measures may include the banning of plastic bags or their taxation.
Shifeta said proposed measures are currently being discussed with stakeholders and once finalised, they will be introduced and shared with the public.
ELLANIE SMIT
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