Staff Writer
Namibia has received a donation of more than N$9 million of equipment and vehicles through the ministry of environment, forestry, and tourism (MEFT) from the United States of America to assist in protecting its biodiversity.
The donation comes on the back of MEFT last week reporting that the number of poached rhinos in the country has risen to 48.
The vehicle handover was observed by Namibian government officials, U.S embassy dignitaries, and a senior leader delegation from the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM). The
delegation is visiting Namibia from August 30 through September 4 to meet with Namibian officials and see some of the U.S.-Namibia partnership in action.
The delegation includes: Ambassador Andrew Young, Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement; Barbara Hughes, Senior Development Advisor at U.S. Africa Command; and Brigadier General Peter Bailey, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs.
The ceremony highlighted the strong partnership that the United States shares with MEFT and the broader Government of Namibia and the mutual commitment to combatting the destabilising effects of illicit wildlife trade. In support of this shared goal, the United States donated Toyota Landeruisers and two Hyundai Game Viewer Trucks to support the work of MEFT’s anti-poaching unit.
“The United States and United States Africa Command view security in a holistic context that extends well beyond the realms of traditional defence matters. We see threats to the
environment, such as poaching and the illicit wildlife trade, as a pressing threat that undermines the security and well-being of this beautiful nation and nations across the continent. We are
proud to have forged a strong partnership with MEFT and are able to support the brave men and women of the anti-poaching units. We hope that the equipment and vehicles that the United
States has funded will serve them well and enable them to succeed in their critical mission,” Ambassador Young said.
This vehicle donation adds to the over N$60 million (US$4 million) the United States has contributed this year alone to counter wildlife trafficking in Namibia, with an additional N$120 million (USS8 million) supporting regional efforts in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
