Shifeta advocates for tree planting to tackle deforestation and climate change

Staff Reporter

THE Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, once again underscored the importance of planting trees to combat the effects of deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate change in the country.

“We recognise that our environment is facing numerous challenges, from deforestation to climate change. It is our collective responsibility to address these challenges and work towards a sustainable future. Planting trees may seem like a small gesture, but collectively it has a significant impact,” the minister said.

He made these remarks at the commemoration of National Arbor Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Friday of October. This year, the ministry celebrated the day in Oshakati, under the theme “Forest and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”

“This is befitting, as innovation and technology are transforming how we protect and utilise forests, as the world confronts challenges such as deforestation and forest degradation. The theme showcases the vital role of technology and innovation in forest conservation, combating deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate change,” Shifeta said.

The minister explained that deforestation is driven by a large proportion of rural people depending on wood biomass for energy needs, the unsustainable use of wood resources, and slash-and-burn practices to expand agricultural activities.

“Furthermore, nearly 2.5 million hectares of land cover in Namibia is affected by wildfires,” Shifeta said.

He also emphasised the urgent need to promote tree planting in urban development planning, as the expansion of townships is a major factor in the loss of indigenous tree species in many areas.

“It is, therefore, vital to raise awareness of the importance of urban greening so that trees removed during development are replaced in double or triple numbers,” Shifeta said.

The minister assured that the ministry is working to increase forest cover through reforestation and afforestation. He added that the ministry continues to mobilise resources to fund community projects and other bilateral initiatives to plant more trees and to expand and modernise tree seedling nurseries to increase the production of seedlings.

“To date, the ministry has made tree seedlings available through sales (at a subsidised price) and donations. An annual target of 20,000 tree seedlings is being availed for donation during international and national days such as International Day of Forests and National Arbor Day celebrations. I am pleased to note that yesterday 780 tree seedlings were distributed to the members of the public in Ongwediva and Oshakati for planting purposes,” Shifeta added.