Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has urged the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to strengthen its wildfire prevention and response strategies following the 2025 fire that destroyed part of Etosha National Park.
During a meeting with environment minister Indileni Daniel, Ngurare called on the ministry to learn from the incident and improve its preparedness to limit damage should similar fires occur in the future.
Daniel said measures being undertaken to strengthen wildfire preparedness include establishing firebreaks and strategically positioning water tanker trucks to enable a rapid response to outbreaks.
She informed the prime minister that the ministry launched the National Strategy for Wildlife and Environmental Protection in September to strengthen the protection of Namibia’s wildlife and natural environment.
Ngurare further directed the ministry to intensify public awareness campaigns on environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The prime minister said the need to educate communities about their role in preventing wildfires and protecting the country’s natural heritage.
Ngurare commended the ministry for creating 250 employment opportunities for young people through the Etosha National Park fencing project.
