On 22 September 2025 in New York City, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, delivered a powerful statement at the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership reception hosted by the ICCF African Wildlife Foundation. Addressing distinguished partners and guests, President Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored Namibia’s unwavering dedication to conservation efforts that balance ecological protection with community and economic development.
Drawing from her experience as a former Minister of Environment and Tourism, the President expressed a deep personal connection to the core issues addressed by the partnership. She highlighted the importance of uniting conservation, community participation, and sustainable development as the guiding principles for Africa’s natural heritage preservation.
Namibia stands as a leading example on the continent, with over 46% of its land designated under conservation frameworks including national parks, communal conservancies, community forests, and tourism concessions. This remarkable achievement reflects the country’s commitment to ensuring that biodiversity is protected for current and future generations, as mandated by Namibia’s constitution.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized how Namibia’s integrated conservation model, which includes five of the continent’s 162 Keystone Protected Areas, unites protected national parks with over 100 community-run conservancies. These vast landscapes stretch from the northeastern Zambezi River to the Skeleton Coast in the west, providing more than biodiversity benefits. They generate employment, revenue, and dignified livelihoods for communities living alongside wildlife, helping mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
The President’s address made clear that Namibia’s approach disproves the misconception that conservation conflicts with economic progress. Instead, protected areas are vital enablers of rural economic growth, supporting ecosystems that sustain over 70 million people across Africa and provide essential rainfalls for agriculture.
She praised the Keystone Protected Area Partnership as a critical platform for collaborative conservation efforts, aligned with Namibia’s values and strategic goals such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, the African Union Biodiversity Strategy, and the 30×30 target to protect 30% of the planet by 2030.
Concluding her statement, President Nandi-Ndaitwah called on all partners to act decisively amid Africa’s growing population and accelerating development pressures. She urged a shared commitment to preserve the continent’s irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations, fostering a Africa rich in life, opportunity, and hope through the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Namibia’s leadership in this partnership reiterates its role as a champion of environmental stewardship and community-centric conservation on the African continent.
