Vast resource of local know-how
Namibia's environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has emphasised the importance of banking what we know about our natural resources.
The environment minister, Pohamba Shifeta, said that the time is now for Namibia's local communities to capitalise on traditional knowledge and natural resources.
Shifeta said that he is anxiously waiting for the Access to Biological and Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Bill to be signed into law and protect the rights of local communities.
According to Shifeta, the National Council passed the bill last month and when it is signed into law it will give added impetus to protecting the rights of local communities over biological and genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
According to him, it will also provide for fair and equitable benefit sharing for communities - from value addition and the commercialisation of natural resources.
“Namibia is home to such a rich variety of natural resources and traditional knowledge relating to these resources. The knowledge of our people of the medicinal, cosmetic and other uses of these resources is a key example of how, in the rural areas, we are connected to nature. It is my view that the time is now to capitalise on the commercialisation of some of this knowledge and the resources at our disposal.”
According to Shifeta this applies to plant species such as Devil's Claw, marula, Hoodia and !Nara for example, but there is also huge potential for greater value addition and the commercialisation of wildlife-based products as well as other products derived from nature.
He said that although the connection of the rural populations with nature is clear, the connection of the urban population to nature can become cut and forgotten.
“With over 50% of the population now estimated to be living in urban areas in Namibia, we need to ensure that our urban populations remain connected with nature and broader environmental protection.”
He said that urban areas can become centres for environmental degradation through air pollution, littering and inappropriate management of waste, as well as through pollution of our precious water resources.
“I am particularly concerned that this tendency is now occurring in our towns and cities across the country.”
According to Shifeta, this needs to change and urban areas need to capitalise on the economic and social opportunities from becoming greener and developing in harmony with nature.
He said that for example, the transition towards renewable energy and more sustainable forms of public transportation can help to reduce air pollution and help us to become more energy secure in a manner which protects our environment. Shifeta said that Namibia also needs to bring back its reputation as the cleanest country in Africa. “This will enhance our reputation among tourists and improve the quality of life for our citizens in urban areas.”
He said that the country must decisively tackle the problem of littering and the improper management of waste, particularly in urban areas.
Shifeta made these remarks on the occasion of World Environment Day that is celebrated on 5 June every year and is used for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
This year the day was celebrated under theme 'Connecting people to nature – in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator', which implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the earth that we share.
ELLANIE SMIT
Shifeta said that he is anxiously waiting for the Access to Biological and Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Bill to be signed into law and protect the rights of local communities.
According to Shifeta, the National Council passed the bill last month and when it is signed into law it will give added impetus to protecting the rights of local communities over biological and genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
According to him, it will also provide for fair and equitable benefit sharing for communities - from value addition and the commercialisation of natural resources.
“Namibia is home to such a rich variety of natural resources and traditional knowledge relating to these resources. The knowledge of our people of the medicinal, cosmetic and other uses of these resources is a key example of how, in the rural areas, we are connected to nature. It is my view that the time is now to capitalise on the commercialisation of some of this knowledge and the resources at our disposal.”
According to Shifeta this applies to plant species such as Devil's Claw, marula, Hoodia and !Nara for example, but there is also huge potential for greater value addition and the commercialisation of wildlife-based products as well as other products derived from nature.
He said that although the connection of the rural populations with nature is clear, the connection of the urban population to nature can become cut and forgotten.
“With over 50% of the population now estimated to be living in urban areas in Namibia, we need to ensure that our urban populations remain connected with nature and broader environmental protection.”
He said that urban areas can become centres for environmental degradation through air pollution, littering and inappropriate management of waste, as well as through pollution of our precious water resources.
“I am particularly concerned that this tendency is now occurring in our towns and cities across the country.”
According to Shifeta, this needs to change and urban areas need to capitalise on the economic and social opportunities from becoming greener and developing in harmony with nature.
He said that for example, the transition towards renewable energy and more sustainable forms of public transportation can help to reduce air pollution and help us to become more energy secure in a manner which protects our environment. Shifeta said that Namibia also needs to bring back its reputation as the cleanest country in Africa. “This will enhance our reputation among tourists and improve the quality of life for our citizens in urban areas.”
He said that the country must decisively tackle the problem of littering and the improper management of waste, particularly in urban areas.
Shifeta made these remarks on the occasion of World Environment Day that is celebrated on 5 June every year and is used for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
This year the day was celebrated under theme 'Connecting people to nature – in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator', which implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the earth that we share.
ELLANIE SMIT
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