Event Summary

This event was held in connection with the World Environment Day commemorations, aligning with this year’s global theme to foster awareness and action for the protection of our natural environment. The Namibia Rural Women’s Assembly (NRWA) successfully hosted a two-day Environmental and Climate Resilience Learning Exchange in Erongo Region from 19th to 20th June 2025. The platform brought together rural women, traditional leaders, conservation experts, government representatives, and community organizations to exchange knowledge on biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, human-wildlife coexistence, and community-led conservation projects.

Highlights of Day 1 — 19 June 2025

The programme opened with a prayer by Ms. Aurelia Kaiuina, followed by a warm welcome from the Senior Traditional Councillor. A keynote statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism set the tone for the day.

• Key presentations included:
• Environment Protection and Protected Species by Othilie Joseph, Directorate of Forestry, MEFT.
• Natural and Cultural Heritage Preservation by the National Heritage Council Representative.
• Building Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices by Clemence Muheua.
• Elephant Safety and Human-Wildlife Coexistence Strategies by Edla Nguaiko.
• Community Conservation Initiatives by the Greater Omatjete Elephant Committee.

Objectives of the Programme

1. Build awareness on biodiversity protection and climate-resilient livelihoods.
2. Foster collaboration between rural communities, traditional authorities, and conservation stakeholders.
3. Share best practices on sustainable land use and natural resource management.
4. Strengthen rural women’s voices in environmental governance.

Appreciation

The NRWA extends sincere gratitude to all presenters, community members, and government officials who contributed to the success of this exchange. Special thanks to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the Directorate of Agriculture Production, Extension and Engineering Services (DAPEES), EHRA,for their technical inputs and continued support to Erongo’s rural women initiatives.

Photos and Testimonials

“This learning exchange has opened our eyes to practical ways we can conserve our environment and protect our livelihoods in the face of climate change.”
 Community Participant

Community Reflections

Members of the Namibia Rural Women’s Assembly expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this knowledge exchange event. The platform allowed them to actively engage with technical experts, conservation leaders, and government representatives. Participants valued the chance to ask questions, share their own community experiences, and debate on key environmental challenges affecting rural women.

A strong call was made for the hosting of more events of this nature, enabling ongoing dialogue, information sharing, and community empowerment on environmental and climate resilience matters.

Additionally, valuable reflections emerged from the nature hike experience, where participants emphasized the importance of promoting and marketing local mountains as eco-tourism attractions. There was a strong appeal to explore community-led eco-tourism initiatives and activities that add value to the environment without causing harm. The gathering advocated for environmentally responsible projects and programs that deliver tangible benefits to local communities, particularly those led by women in rural areas.