Forests at the Heart of Climate Action and Community Empowerment

In a recent episode of the Venture Media in conversation with NILALEG podcast, Johnson Ndokosho, Director of Forestry at Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, shared his inspiring journey and the pivotal role forests play in combating climate change. With over 20 years of experience, Ndokosho’s passion for environmental conservation is evident as he describes forests as vital carbon sinks that absorb CO₂ while releasing oxygen – essential for life.

Ndokosho highlighted Namibia’s unique forestry landscape. As the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, only 9% of Namibia is forested, predominantly in the northeast. Despite this limited coverage, forests face challenges like deforestation, illegal harvesting, and unsustainable practices. To counteract these threats, the ministry promotes sustainable forestry, including community-based forest management programs that empower locals to conserve and benefit from forest resources.

Tree planting is central to Namibia’s green vision, supported by nurseries providing affordable seedlings and large-scale initiatives such as Arbor Day. This year, thousands of trees were planted in Oshakati, marking the start of the rainy season. Technologies like drones and satellite imagery are used to monitor forest health, and collaborations with local and international organisations bolster conservation efforts.

Ndokosho’s message was clear: protecting forests is a collective responsibility. “Let us plant more trees than we cut,” he urged. With ongoing initiatives and community involvement, Namibia is striving to balance economic development with conservation, ensuring forests thrive for future generations.

Episode 1: Advancing Environmental Governance in Namibia

In this episode, we take an overall look at NILALEG and explore this transformative project in Namibia. The initiative, led by Jonas Nghishidi and supported by the Global Environmental Facility and the UNDP, aims to integrate conservation, agriculture, and governance to enhance the livelihoods of over 20,000 Namibians. Emphasising integrated landscape management, NILALEG addresses global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change, aligning with the UN’s SDGs.

Episode 2: Nkulivere Rising

In the verdant expanses of the Nkulivere landscape in the Kavango West Region of Namibia, a transformative initiative, managed by the Namibian Nature Foundation under NILALEG, is taking root. The NILALEG project is at the forefront of pioneering development, aiming to uplift local communities through sustainable natural resource management by integrating environmental stewardship with economic growth. I recently had the opportunity to discuss this initiative with Werner Mbongo, the project coordinator for NILALEG’s Nkulivere landscape, as we sat on the banks of the Okavango River just outside Nkurenkuru.

Episode 3: Integrated Landscape Management Conference

NILALEG, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism and the UNDP, hosted the Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) conference in Windhoek in June 2024. The event united experts to discuss sustainable land management, climate change, and poverty reduction. Key highlights included restoring degraded lands, using digital tools like drones, and fostering publicprivate partnerships for Namibia's environmental resilience and sustainable development.

WATCH: Devil’s Claw Harvesting

The NILALEG Project in Namibia's Kavango West region is empowering communities through the sustainable harvesting of Devil’s Claw, a plant with valuable anti-inflammatory properties. Led by the Namibia Nature Foundation, this initiative promotes ecological sustainability and economic empowerment by providing training and tools to local harvesters. The project improves livelihoods, with locals using the income for essential needs like education and food. Despite challenges, the project fosters resilience, setting a global benchmark for sustainable natural resource management.

Listen to the full podcast here:

www.meft.gov.na/projects/nilaleg-project/

The NILALEG Project is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environmental Facility.