Maria David
AS the world commemorates World Environment Day, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to protecting and preserving the country’s natural resources through impactful investments and sustainable initiatives.
This was according to EIF spokesperson Romeo Muyunda in a press statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Muyunda, since its establishment, the EIF has been a key driver of sustainable development, fostering environmentally responsible practices across diverse economic sectors, empowering local communities, and safeguarding Namibia’s natural heritage for future generations.
The 2025 World Environment Day theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” resonates deeply with the Fund’s ongoing efforts to tackle environmental degradation caused by plastic waste.
“In line with this, the EIF has launched numerous initiatives aimed at curbing plastic pollution and enhancing overall environmental sustainability,” he said.
To date, Muyunda indicated that the EIF has successfully mobilized over N$4 billion in environmental and climate financing, channeling these funds into projects that boost resilience, advance clean technologies, and conserve biodiversity.
Additionally, he said, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the EIF introduced environmental levies under the Customs and Excise Act No. 20 of 1998.
He noted that these levies not only generate an annual revenue of N$90 million but are also strategically reinvested into vital environmental protection initiatives and public awareness campaigns.
“Through the revenue generated from these levies, the EIF established the Green Impact Facility (GIF), a blended finance mechanism designed to foster green investments and provide crucial financial support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs),” he added.
Moreover, Muyunda said the GIF has already financed over 300 loans, disbursing about N$94 million to both households and enterprises, and has contributed to the creation of more than 950 jobs.
He explained that these significant investments and employment opportunities span critical areas such as waste management and recycling, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, sustainable agriculture, green technology innovation, and natural resource management and value addition.
Currently, Muyunda added that the EIF is in the final stages of developing an investment plan for the efficient allocation of funds from these environmental levies.
He said key initiatives outlined in this plan include the design and support of prototype landfills for local authorities, investment in mobile recycling stations to improve waste collection efficiency, widespread public awareness campaigns on environmental sustainability, and incentive schemes for individuals who deliver plastic waste to recycling facilities.
“These initiatives are strategically designed to significantly reduce plastic waste and minimize the overall environmental footprint in both urban and rural areas across the country,” he said.
In Namibia, where a substantial portion of the population relies on natural resources for their livelihoods, Muyunda said the imperative of environmental preservation and sustainability cannot be overstated.
He stressed that as World Environment Day is observed, they urge all Namibians — individuals, communities, and businesses — to take meaningful action in reducing waste, particularly plastic pollution.
