Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) received 22 patrol vehicles and IT equipment valued at N$20 million as part of the Integrated Wildlife Protection Management Project’s (IWPP) efforts to enhance Namibia’s conservation efforts.
Funded by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, this support which was officially handed over on Wednesday, comes at a critical time as Namibia continues to combat increasing incidents of wildlife poaching, which poses a severe threat to rhinos and elephants.
Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment expressed gratitude for Germany’s long-standing commitment to conservation in Namibia.
“This equipment will significantly enhance our capacity to protect wildlife and manage our national parks. It will improve the mobility of patrol units and reduce response times to poaching incursions,” Shifeta said.
The equipment consists of 21 off-road patrol vehicles, one sedan, and IT tools aimed at improving the administrative capabilities of the Wildlife Protection Services (WPS).
Despite efforts to curb wildlife crime, Namibia continues to face serious challenges.
According to Shifeta, the country lost 46 rhinos to poaching in 2024 alone.
“We are reassessing our strategies and bolstering staff, but the fight against organized poaching syndicates remains daunting,” he said.
He pointed to the international demand for rhino horns and elephant tusks and said that it remains a persistent issue.
The minister acknowledged that there has been some progress, with arrests related to rhino and elephant poaching decreasing from 143 cases in 2023 to 91 cases in 2024.
“Pangolin-related crimes also saw a significant drop, halving from 60 cases to 30 this year,” he said.
Shifeta extended gratitude to all partners, especially the Namibian Police Force, Namibia Defence Force, and the dedicated staff of MEFT, for their continued efforts in the field.
“Together, we can ensure that Namibia’s wildlife thrives and that our conservation efforts continue to benefit the people of today and generations to come,” Shifeta said while repeating the call for sustained collaboration in the fight against poaching.
German Ambassador Dr Thorsten Hutter highlighted Germany’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation in Namibia, a partnership that spans over three decades.
“Namibia is one of the leading countries in Africa, if not the world, in biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection,” Hutter said while pointing to the success of projects like the IWPP in enhancing the capacities of Namibia’s rangers and wildlife services.
He praised the MEFT’s efforts, particularly its resilience in addressing the complex challenge of wildlife poaching, and reiterated Germany’s ongoing support.
Ambassador Hutter also stressed the importance of flexibility in addressing evolving wildlife crime dynamics.
“We must remain adaptable as the context of wildlife crime continues to change,” he said.
He lauded the MEFT’s Wildlife Protection Service (WPS) for its continuous efforts in safeguarding Namibia’s wildlife, particularly rhinos and elephants, which are prime targets for poachers.
Namibia holds the second-largest population of rhinos globally, and its elephant population has surpassed 20 000, distributed primarily across the Etosha National Park and the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).
Both Namibian and German officials acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.
Hutter said that the donated IT equipment will not only support field operations but also enhance monitoring and reporting efforts, ensuring that the impact of the resources invested in wildlife protection is clearly demonstrated.
The ambassador said that the partnership between Namibia and Germany is not only focused on wildlife conservation but also aims at broader socio-economic development, particularly in areas such as sustainable economic development and inclusive urban planning.
“However, conservation remains a central pillar of this collaboration, with both nations united in their commitment to preserving Namibia’s rich biodiversity for future generations,” he said.
