Environmental Concerns

Authorities Alarmed by Rule-Breaking in National Parks

Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Ministry, says officials are worried about continued disregard for laws and park regulations by visitors. The ministry has identified several major infractions and emphasizes the need for stricter adherence to park rules.

27 February, 2025

Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: Rob Parker Exposes Allegations Against ReconAfrica: Legal, Ethical, and Environmental Concerns

Rob Parker, a representative from the Economic and Social Justice Trust of Namibia, has shared alarming insights into the controversial operations of ReconAfrica, a company accused of serious legal, ethical, and environmental violations. Parker has been working on a report that sheds light on the company's actions, including its new environmental clearance certificate, which he claims was obtained through fraudulent means. According to Parker, ReconAfrica's consultant misrepresented consultations with […]

27 January, 2025

Business / Economics

Economic and Social Justice Trust Discusses ReconAfrica Allegations

Rob Parker from the Economic and Social Justice Trust of Namibia spoke with Future Media News and revealed that ReconAfrica has faced serious allegations, including falsifying community consultations and delaying legal cases since 2022. Parker mentioned a petition and also highlighted concerns from international stakeholders about the company’s operations impacting Canada's $1.4 billion investment in Namibia and Botswana alongside that of Dundee Precious Metals in Tsumeb.

27 January, 2025

World

New Delhi’s air quality dips to “very poor” levels ahead of festive season

New Delhi's air quality has dipped to what officials call very poor level levels with pollutants rising to 10 times the permissible limit. Despite a ban on firecrackers in the national capital, concerns remain about the situation worsening ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali when burning crackers is considered auspicious. Ishan Garg has more from New Delhi.

28 October, 2024

Environment

Namibia stops Russian uranium exploration because of pollution concerns

Namibia has suspended Russia's state atomic energy agency's uranium exploration due to fears of groundwater contamination. Despite being Africa's largest producer of nuclear fuel, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land reform has withheld the necessary mining permit, citing concerns over One Uranium's failure to demonstrate a pollution-free extraction method. Here is Petra Witbooi the Chairperson of Leonardville Village Council. Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform […]

18 April, 2024

Environment

Swakopmund residents protest radioactive facility plans

Swakopmund residents are outraged over plans for a radioactive material storage and handling facility in the coastal town’s industrial area. According to residents, the facility, if approved by the town council, puts the lives of residents at risk, as toxic matter will be stored near their homes. We contacted former Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Bernard Haufiku for his take.

28 February, 2024

Lifestyle

World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami

The world's largest cruise ship has set sail from Miami, Florida, on its maiden voyage, but there are concerns about the vessel's methane emissions. According to the BBC, the 365m-long Icon of the Seas has 20 decks and can house a maximum of 7,600 passengers. The vessel is going on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean. Environmentalists warn the liquefied natural gas-powered ship will leak harmful methane into the […]

29 January, 2024

Opinion Pieces

South Africa’s new plan to end power cuts is seriously flawed. Here’s why

By Hartmut Winkler, University of Johannesburg South Africa experienced unprecedented electricity shortages in 2023 as ageing coal plants became increasingly prone to breakdowns. The country urgently needs to develop new electricity generation facilities and reduce reliance on coal power. In the first week of 2024, the South African energy minister, Gwede Mantashe, released a proposed roadmap for the future of electricity in South Africa. Unfortunately, the draft Integrated Resource […]

11 January, 2024