The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has expressed its disappointment in holidaymakers at the coast who failing to adhere to environmental safety and park rules in the Dorob National Park.

Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Chief Public Relations Officer Romeo Muyunda told the media on Wednesday the ministry collected 480 bags of rubbish in the Dorob National Park after holidaymakers left the area with the festive season wrapping up.

He noted that garbage could be observed everywhere including on beaches, sand dunes and the general surroundings despite the ministry providing dustbins and clear park regulations indicating that littering is not allowed.

“The ministry condemns this type of irresponsible behaviour and encourages that moving forward, travellers and holiday makers should not leave their garbage unattended but rather find ways to dispose of it in a responsible manner,” Muyunda said.

He further stressed that garbage is not only unattractive but can also contaminate land, air and water sources, in particular the ocean, affecting aquatic species on which Namibia’s fishing sector depends.

Muyunda further warned that park visitors were observed launching firecrackers, playing loud music, driving off-road and getting out of their vehicles, which is prohibited and clearly indicated as such on sign boards.

Such behaviour can also affect wildlife wellbeing and can lead to aggressiveness in animals, posing a danger to visitors, he added.

The Dorob National Park is a protected area along the central Namibian coast. It is 1 600 kilometres in length and extends from the Kuiseb Delta, north to the Ugab River, and west from the Atlantic Ocean.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency