OSHAKATI – Since last year, more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from 1 300 reported cases.

The fires in Etosha alone burnt more than 700 hectares of land last year.

This was revealed yesterday by the ministry of forestry’s spokesperson Vilho Hangula.

A national workshop on wildfire prevention  hosted by the ministry is underway in Oshakati.The workshop concludes tomorrow. It  aims to consult stakeholders on national wildfire prevention and response protocols, and gather their input before the framework is finalised. The framework will serve as the blueprint for wildfire management across Namibia.

He explained that these protocols are a precursor to a national wildfire management policy that will be developed at a later
stage. Hangula stressed that wildfires can destroy human lives, property and biodiversity.

“The loss of vegetation cover has detrimental effects on agriculture, as grazing land is destroyed, leaving livestock and wildlife without food,” he said. He added that wildfire prevention and response are shared responsibilities that require collective action.

“All stakeholders need to work together to prepare for and combat fires across Namibia. Let’s handle fire with caution,” he urges.

Also speaking at the event, Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge said the workshop demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding communities from the scourge of wildfires, which threaten economic activities such as communal agriculture. “Knowing fully that agriculture is one of our key priorities for promoting socioeconomic development and ensuring food security at the national level,” he added.

“As we know, wildfires do not discriminate; they can occur in any region. However, the fact that our region has been chosen to host this landmark consultative event should be an honour and an advantage, enabling us to better prepare ourselves to prevent wildfires in our region,” Iipinge said. 

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