[ Postal Address: PO Box 3508, Windhoek, Namibia ]
[ Physical Address: 76/78 Frans Indongo St, Windhoek ]
[ Tel: + 264 (0)61 306450 ][ Tel/Fax (answering machine): + 264 (0)61 306290 ]
[ Information@NEWS-Namibia.org ][ www.NEWS-Namibia.org ]

 

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[ Standard Bank Namibia ]
[ Account Number: 04 271 7191 ]
[ Branch Code: 082 772 ][ Swift Code: SBNMNANX ]

 

 

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NEWS Current Environmental Issues in Namibia

General
The following issues are currently being dealt with by NEWS. There are undoubtedly numerous other important environmental issues in Namibia. Unfortunately, NEWS does not have the capacity to take direct action on all environmental issues. The organisation focuses on monitoring prioritised issues through the collection and distribution of information in order to facilitate positive action. Where possible, NEWS works in close collaboration with Partner Organisations and relevant stakeholders to address issues.

Uranium Mining
Uranium mining, which currently takes place only in the Erongo Region, is becoming one of the most important sectors of the mining industry in Namibia. It is estimated that 7% of the World's uranium deposits are found in Namibia. There are 16 uranium deposits currently being explored or mined in the Erongo Region, half of which are in national parks. Two uranium mines are currently operational and another five mines could begin production within the next five years. Uranium mining may employ as many as 7,700 people and contribute 5% of the Gross Domestic Product at full production.
  The environmental implications of uranium mining not only include the local environmental damage through the mining operation, as well as water and energy use, but also the risk of local and regional contamination through radiation and toxic waste. It is also important to consider that mines usually have a limited lifespan, as minerals are a finite resource, meaning that once all the minerals have been taken from the ground, they will not be replaced. The mines close and the job opportunities are lost. Other land uses, such as agriculture and tourism, can be continued sustainable over indefinite periods of time.
 
Energy
 
Elephant Hunting
 
Ekipa Ivory Trade
  The traditional ivory brooches of the Owambo have long ago become a commercial commodity of high value, being incorporated into beautiful Namibian jewellery pieces by local jewellers as well as being sold at local craft markets. The increase in demand has raised fears that an increase in elephant poaching for ivory (both in Namibia and neighbouring countries) may follow, or may already be taking place. A detailed report on the issue, making some critical accusations, has been published by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. Our enquiries indicate that increased poaching is currently not taking place, but that there is an urgent need to put a certification and monitoring system for the trade in Ekipas in place, also in order to legalise the trade at international level. The Ministry of Environment & Tourism has put a ban on trade in Ekipas until effective control mechanisms are in place.
 
Seal Harvesting
  The harvesting of seals will remain a contentious issue as long as the practice continues, as there will always be people who are strongly opposed to it. Public outcries and calls for action can be vital in facilitating urgent action, but can also be overly emotional and confrontational, without being truly informed.
  NEWS was heavily involved in the monitoring of seal harvesting for much of the 1990s, and although we currently do not intend to get involved at similar levels, we do hope to be able to gather accurate, updated information on population numbers and the impacts of harvesting in order to provide a balanced overview of the issue.
 
Predator Control on Farmland
  Carnivores and raptors continue to create human-wildlife conflicts on farmland in Namibia and are often persecuted by farmers with the result that many populations are declining. In collaboration with partner organisations such as NARREC, NEWS is looking into the possibility of compiling information material for farmers that can help address and mitigate human-predator conflicts and assist in the conservation of predators in Namibia.