Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism expressed serious concern over the increasing disregard for laws and regulations in Namibia’s national parks.
According to a statement on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that officials have observed widespread violations of park rules, prompting urgent calls for visitors and tour operators to adhere to the established guidelines.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said that several serious transgressions have been identified, despite clear regulations being in place.
“We have observed a significant number of visitors attempting to enter and fly drones in our National Parks. The use of drones is strictly prohibited without an official permit, and all visitors arriving with drones must declare and register them at the park’s entry gates,” he said.
Muyunda also expressed concerns regarding the handling and transportation of meat in and out of Etosha National Park, in line with the Animal Disease and Parasite Act 13 of 1956.
“Under this law, it is prohibited to exit the park with raw meat at the Anderson, Galton, and Von Lindequist gates. Any raw meat found will be confiscated and discarded by veterinary officials at the gate,” he explained.
He added that visitors may, however, enter the park with raw meat, and there are no restrictions on exiting with meat at the King Nehale gate.
He also reminded the public of the ban on single-use plastic bags within all national parks.
“Plastic bags from retail shops are prohibited, although plastic used in packaging items such as bread or rice bags is permitted. Visitors are urged to dispose of waste in designated refuse bins to maintain a clean and healthy environment,” he said.
Another major issue of concern is off-road driving and exiting vehicles in non-designated areas.
“Such behaviour degrades the parks’ ecosystems and diminishes their reputation as well-managed conservation areas. We appeal to all visitors to strictly adhere to designated roads and viewing areas to protect the environment and ensure safety,” he warned.
Tour operators, in particular, have been urged to comply with park regulations, as some have been found aiding visitors in breaking the rules.
“The Ministry is concerned that some tour operators guiding tourists into national parks are facilitating serious disregard for park laws. We call upon all tour operators to assist us in maintaining law and order. Those failing to comply risk being blacklisted from conducting business in all our national parks,” he said
According to Muyunda, the ministry has been investing in the maintenance of infrastructure such as roads and ablution facilities, but acts of vandalism continue to be a challenge.
“Ablution facilities are crucial, yet despite our efforts to keep them clean and in working order, they are often found vandalized and filthy. This indicates they are not being utilized properly,” he said.
He reiterated the environment ministry’s call for visitors to respect Namibia’s national parks and abide by the regulations in place.
“We encourage all visitors to comply with these regulations to ensure the country’s national parks remain safe and pristine for all,” he said.
