Staff Writer
As climate change and biodiversity loss increasingly shape the global development agenda, the need for environmental literacy has never been more urgent.
Building resilient communities requires policies and infrastructure as well as informed citizens who understand the relationship between human wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
This is why investments in environmental education are becoming one of the most important long-term sustainability interventions.
Through the Nedbank Go Green Fund, which is facilitated by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), the bank continues to support initiatives that empower Namibians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to create a more sustainable future.
One such initiative, which was supported with N$150 000 is the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET) Educator Programme, which is cultivating a growing network of environmental champions across the country.
NaDEET, a registered Namibian non-profit trust established in 2003, has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading environmental education organisations.
Its approach goes beyond traditional classroom learning by creating immersive experiences that allow participants to practise sustainable living first-hand.
At the heart of its work are two environmental education centres: the NaDEET Centre, located on the NamibRand Nature Reserve in the Namib Desert, and the Urban Sustainability Centre in Swakopmund, which focuses on the environmental impact of everyday urban lifestyle choices.
Participants are exposed to practical sustainability concepts including renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation and responsible resource use.
Rather than learning through theory alone, they experience sustainable practices directly through daily activities and environmental audits that track energy consumption, water use and waste generation.
This process encourages participants to reflect on their own behaviour while identifying opportunities to reduce their environmental footprint.
NaDEET environmental educator, Festus Awene, said: “A unique feature of the programme is its environmental auditing component, where participants monitor their use of water, energy and waste throughout their stay. This hands-on exercise encourages reflection on personal consumption patterns.”
According to Nedbank Namibia chief financial officer, Victor Maengahama, environmental education is a critical investment in the country’s future: “At Nedbank Namibia, we believe that sustainability is ultimately about people. By investing in environmental education through the Go Green Fund, we are helping to develop informed leaders and community champions who can drive lasting behavioural change. Programmes such as NaDEET demonstrate that when knowledge is combined with practical experience, individuals are empowered to become active participants in building a more resilient and sustainable Namibia.”
