Maria David
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) aims to transform Eenhana into a green city through its Green Cities Initiative.
FAO Representative in Namibia, Dr. Qingyun Diao, said that FAO is committed to promoting a better environment through sustainable practices like urban gardening and agroforestry.
Diao made these remarks during the handover of a nursery and tree planting held in Eenhana on Friday.
According to Diao, these activities will help expand green spaces in Eenhana, reduce the town’s vulnerability to climate change, improve local biodiversity, and create a more resilient urban ecosystem.
“Through this initiative, FAO is promoting better nutrition by increasing access to locally produced, nutritious food,” she said.
She added that this approach is key to addressing food security challenges and promoting healthy eating habits in urban settings like Eenhana.
Diao indicated that the nursery, gardening, and planting items provided by FAO—including essential nursery and greenhouse materials, gardening tools, horticultural seeds, 900 fruit tree seedlings, 490 forestry seedlings, and a solar-powered pump—are valued at over N$630,000.
“This nursery will supply tree seedlings, fruit plants, and vegetables, bringing multiple benefits to the town of Eenhana,” she said.
She said that not only will it enhance green spaces, but it will also help combat air pollution, provide shade, and improve the overall environment, contributing to community well-being.
Diao emphasized that through the Green Cities Initiative, FAO is committed to promoting a better environment via sustainable practices like urban gardening and agroforestry.
Speaking at the same event, Eenhana Mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje highlighted the town’s goal of encouraging sustainable management of urban land and forests in Eenhana and its surrounding regions.
Kavandje said that the town is dedicated to raising awareness of green urban areas and urban forestry.
“To enhance the resilience and preparedness of both city governments and urban residents for the future, it is essential to rethink urban planning and design, giving prominence to urban green spaces and urban forestry,” he said.
Moreover, he said that addressing this issue requires urban planning and design that prioritize greenery and urban forests.
Kavandje explained that the goal of this project is to enhance the resilience of Eenhana’s urban residents in the Ohangwena region by implementing multifunctional governance infrastructure.
