Windhoek:Namibia has reported a significant drop in rhino poaching, with 43 rhinos poached in 2025, down from 91 in 2024. This marks the country's lowest level of rhino poaching in over a decade, as stated by Indileni Daniel, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the downward trend has continued into 2026, with 24 rhinos poached so far this year. However, Minister Daniel cautioned that wildlife and environmental crime remain serious threats. Speaking at the third National Stakeholder Forum for Wildlife and Environmental Protection, she attributed the decline in poaching to effective strategies but warned that criminal syndicates involved in poaching and trafficking are adapting to enforcement efforts.

Minister Daniel emphasized the need for stronger cross-border cooperation and international partnerships to address the global demand for wildlife trafficking. She highlighted the economic burden of wildlife and environmental crimes on Namibia, noting that significant resources are being spent to combat these issues instead of being used for other national development priorities.

Furthermore, Daniel pointed out a recent rise in illegal plant trafficking, noting it as a lucrative and rapidly growing criminal activity. She stressed the importance of tackling corruption and strengthening internal controls to protect Namibia's resources.

Namibia's response to environmental crime involves collaboration between law enforcement, national security forces, the judiciary, communal conservancies, and rhino custodians. The country has tightened legislation and increased penalties to deter illegal activities, establishing specialized bodies such as the Wildlife Protection Services Division and the Environmental Crime Unit.

Daniel concluded by stating that Namibia's efforts against environmental crime have expanded since the first stakeholder forum in 2022, now including flora and forestry crimes, to address evolving illicit environmental markets.