Outapi: The Omusati Region on Tuesday joined the global community in commemorating the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, with a strong emphasis on restoring degraded land and ensuring its sustainable management for future generations. This year's theme, 'Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities' focuses on proactive solutions to environmental challenges.
According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel at Outapi on Tuesday, Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti emphasized that a healthy, functional ecosystem is essential for a thriving society. Daniel reiterated the ministry's commitment to achieving its land degradation neutrality targets, which contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Target 15.3.
Namibia's ambitious land degradation neutrality targets aim to reforest 1,380 hectares, enhance forest productivity, improve savanna and cropland productivity, reduce bush encroachment on 1.9 million hectares, and maintain current soil organic carbon levels beyond 2040. Daniel called for collective action to heal degraded ecosystems and restore their health and productivity, particularly highlighting the impacts of prolonged dry spells on the Omusati and Kunene regions.
Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala also addressed the gathering, highlighting the region's vulnerability. He noted that Omusati, with its semi-arid climate and rapidly growing population, is on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing challenges such as land degradation, droughts, and desertification. These issues are directly impacting farmers, water sources, and livelihoods in the region.
jala, however, pointed to the potential opportunities within these challenges. He stressed that land restoration could unlock new avenues for sustainable agriculture, benefiting the community while preserving the soil. He reminded the inhabitants that restoring land is a collective task that requires participation from all sectors of society, including policymakers, pastoralists, schoolchildren, and traditional leaders, all united by knowledge, hope, and urgency.