Niël Terblanché
Namibia strengthened its role as a global leader in biodiversity conservation, setting the stage for transformative action to protect the planet for generations to come while it welcomed delegates from across the globe for the 11th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in Windhoek on Tuesday.
The gathering is aimed at addressing the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem degradation while launching two landmark reports that promise to shape the global conservation agenda.
Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, explained the importance of the Nexus Assessment Report and the Transformative Change Assessment Report.
“These reports provide vital insights into how we can address the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, and public health,” he said.
The Nexus Report explores the intricate relationships between biodiversity, water, food, and health, while the Transformative Change Report outlines systemic pathways to halt biodiversity decline and achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.
Namibia’s legacy of conservation took centre stage during the plenary session, where Shifeta reflected on the nation’s unique achievements.
“Since its independence in 1990, Namibia has pioneered sustainable environmental practices, becoming the first African country to enshrine environmental protection in its Constitution,” he said.
He added that the country’s network of over 20 state-protected areas, combined with 86 community conservancies, safeguards over 40% of its land, surpassing the global 30×30 conservation target.
“Namibia is home to thriving wildlife populations, with globally endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, lions, and cheetahs increasing significantly,” he said.
He also praised the Community-Based Natural Resource Management programme, which empowers over 200,000 Namibians and supports rural development through employment, tourism income, and community projects.
Shifeta, however, acknowledged the challenges that remain, particularly human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by climate change and resource competition.
“Our people, especially those in rural areas, are on the frontlines of this reality,” he said while pointing out the need for collaborative strategies to balance biodiversity conservation with community well-being.
Namibia’s regional efforts, such as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, are another demonstration of the power of international cooperation.
Spanning five countries, this initiative promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism while fostering regional unity.
Shifeta called on delegates to recognise sustainable-use conservation models, such as Namibia’s regulated trophy hunting practices, as vital tools for achieving global biodiversity goals.
“When properly managed, trophy hunting provides vital economic incentives that empower local communities and private landowners to become active stewards of their natural resources,” he said while pointing to revenue’s role in funding infrastructure, anti-poaching initiatives, and habitat protection.
The minister urged delegates to address poaching, which he described as a “crisis” undermining conservation efforts and ecosystem balance.
He called for increased global cooperation, financial support, and the inclusion of local communities in conservation strategies.
“Let IPBES 11 be a turning point where science, policy, and global collaboration come together to secure a future where biodiversity thrives, and humanity flourishes alongside it,” he said.
Shifeta concluded his address with a call to action inspired by a quote from Nelson Mandela: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
