Niël Terblanché
The Namutoni Environmental Education Centre (NEEC), situated within the Etosha National Park, has received a consignment of office, accommodation, and kitchen equipment aimed at enhancing educational services.
The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel handed the equipment to the management of the centre on Sunday.
Daniel said the new equipment include a projector, desktop computers, laptops, and various kitchen utensils and that it was procured through the Game Products Trust Fund at a cost of N$151 129.
“This centre is an integral part of our country’s education sector, and today’s handover marks a step forward in enhancing its operations and services,” she said.
NEEC plays a crucial role in raising environmental awareness among school and university groups, youth, and individuals.
Its programmes cover topics such as biodiversity conservation, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict management.
The centre aims to encourage and promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources through education.
The centre’s location within Etosha National Park provides an immersive learning environment, allowing participants to engage directly with the country’ diverse ecosystems.
The national park offers an ideal backdrop for environmental education.
During the handover Daniel stressed the importance of continuous improvement.
“Today’s handover of equipment and materials is just the beginning. Moving forward, we plan to undertake minor renovations to the building and improve the landscaping around the centre,” she said.
She added that these enhancements aim to provide high-quality environmental education to children and other user groups visiting the park.
The NEEC is part of a broader network of Environmental Education Centres in the country, which serve as platforms for promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development.
These centres function as national environmental and tourism information hubs, providing resources and information to the public, staff members, learners, and researchers.
According to Daniel, the equipment upgrade at NEEC demonstrates the government’s commitment to environmental education and sustainable development.
“By investing in educational infrastructure and resources, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism aims to create a deeper understanding of environmental issues among the nation’s youth and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address these challenges,” she said.
The minister added that the centre is a vital establishment the country’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.
