Africa-Press – Namibia. Eba Kandovazu
ETOSHA – Germany has provided Namibia with financial and technical support valued at N$32 billion since independence in 1990, German Ambassador to Namibia Thorsten Hutter recently revealed.
Hutter made the remarks at the inauguration of new and upgraded facilities at Etosha National Park.
He said the KfW development bank is currently implementing projects with a total funding volume of N$12 billion, while future projects worth about N$640 million are under preparation.
“This is another significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the governments of Namibia and Germany. For 36 years now, since Namibia’s independence, our development cooperation has covered a wide array of strategic sectors, and management of natural resources continues to be one of its core pillars,” he said.
Hutter said Namibia’s approach to integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable development offers an example to the world.
“Namibia has demonstrated that safeguarding ecosystems and fostering economic opportunities can and should go hand in hand. Your national parks serve as a powerful symbol of this conservation success,” he said.
National Planning Commission Director General Kaire Mbuende described the projects as important for both conservation and development.
“This occasion is a testimony to the strong and enduring partnership between Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany. The infrastructure we are commissioning today was made possible through the Integrated Wildlife Protection Project and the Nampak Covid-19 Fund, which sustained conservation efforts during the difficult period of the pandemic when tourism revenues declined significantly,” Mbuende said.
He said the improvements at Etosha, including upgraded gates and improved living and working conditions for personnel, would enhance staff welfare and improve tourism in the park.
Mbuende said the projects also support Namibia’s broader objectives of sustainable growth, environmental protection and economic transformation.
“Our protected areas are not only ecological assets but also key drivers of economic development through tourism and improved livelihoods. This project demonstrates the power of strong partnership and shared commitment,” he said.
Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel said the facilities are not merely bricks and mortar, but monuments to resilience.
She said the projects demonstrate the value of international cooperation and a shared commitment to protecting Namibia’s natural heritage. -Nampa
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