Sostenus Wilherm
Namibia is targeting the planting and maintenance of one million trees by 2030 and two million by 2035 under a proposed national strategy, as the government moves to strengthen climate change mitigation, restore degraded land and protect the country’s natural vegetation.
Minister of environment, forestry and tourism Indileni Daniel announced the targets during the National Arbor Day commemoration in Rehoboth on Friday, warning that planting trees without ensuring their survival would undermine the country’s environmental ambitions.
“Our proposed draft National Strategy on Tree Planting 2026–2035 sets out a target of one million trees planted and maintained by 2030, and two million by 2035,” Daniel said.
She stressed that the strategy was still awaiting final review and Cabinet approval, adding that its success would depend on proper planning, accountability and sustained care for seedlings after planting.
The draft strategy sets a target of at least a 70% survival rate for monitored trees three years after planting, placing emphasis on maintenance rather than simply counting the number of seedlings put into the ground.
“We will measure success by what is still growing long after today’s ceremony ends,” Daniel said.
She said every seedling needed a suitable site, sufficient water, protection from animals and a clearly assigned person responsible for its upkeep.
Where trees failed to survive, authorities would need to establish the reasons and adjust their approach.
Daniel said the strategy would bring tree-planting efforts across Namibia’s 14 regions under a coordinated national programme, supported by government nurseries, community initiatives and partnerships with private nurseries.
She directed the directorate of forestry to advance preparatory work and stakeholder coordination while the strategy goes through the Cabinet approval process.
“I expect a clear delivery plan with assigned responsibilities, strict timelines, and regular progress updates,” she said, adding that the programme should ensure quality seedlings reach communities and receive proper aftercare.
The minister said the initiative was linked to Namibia’s updated climate commitments for 2026 to 2035 under the Paris Agreement, through the country’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
She said forests, woodlands and soils played an important role in storing carbon and supporting the country’s climate objectives.
The proposed strategy includes reforestation, growing trees alongside crops, encouraging natural vegetation to recover and restoring degraded land.
It also addresses forest fires and unsustainable wood harvesting, while emphasising that protecting existing trees was as important as planting new ones.
“In a dry country like ours, we understand the value of a tree. Shade gives relief on a hot day. Roots hold the soil together. Trees provide food, fodder, and shelter for wildlife while supporting family livelihoods,” Daniel said.
She added that restoring damaged land and protecting woodlands could help communities cope with drought and a changing climate.
Daniel also cautioned against planting unsuitable species or trees in areas where they do not naturally belong, saying the strategy would prioritise indigenous and well-adapted species while promoting responsible water use and protecting open ecosystems.
The event saw the handover of 500 tree seedlings, with 100 allocated to Kalkrand, 100 to the Hardap Governor’s Office and 300 to Rehoboth.
Seven schools also received gardening and tree-planting tools, including wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, watering cans and hosepipes, to support practical environmental education.
Daniel urged learners to take responsibility for the trees planted in their schoolyards and communities, including arranging for their care during school holidays.
“A tree teaches patience and responsibility. It depends on you long after planting day is over,” she said.
The minister called on developers and local authorities to minimise unnecessary tree removal, provide appropriate replacements and maintain green spaces as settlements expand.
Swakop Uranium executive vice-president Irvinne Simataa said the company supported the national tree-planting initiative as part of its broader environmental responsibilities.
He said the mining company recognised that its operations affected natural resources and that environmental stewardship had to be integrated into its business practices.
“Our approach is simple, understand our environment, manage our impacts responsibly and leave a positive legacy,” Simataa said.
He said Swakop Uranium had invested in environmental research, biodiversity conservation and the development of young environmental scientists over the past decade.
The company also works with the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism and other specialists to improve environmental management, including water use, waste management, land rehabilitation and mine closure planning.
Simataa said Swakop Uranium had invested more than N$6.5 million in community and development initiatives during 2026, including support for gardening and animal projects, the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre and computer donations to schools in several regions.
The company also supports seed collection, germination trials and the expansion of seedbank storage capacity to help preserve Namibia’s plant genetic diversity.
“Our responsibility does not end at the boundaries of the mine,” Simataa said.
He added that the company employed more than 1 700 people and supported over 2 000 contractors, arguing that the benefits of mining should extend to local businesses and communities.
