EIF launches sustainable development awards
By Rosalia David
THE Environment Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) launched the third Sustainable Development Awards for 2021 recently.
Speaking at the launch, EIF chief executive officer Benedict Libanda said the awards are meant to recognise the importance of integrating sustainable development principles into the core of business and industry in Namibia.
“These awards are being held on a biennial basis. After the successful inaugural edition in 2015, a bigger and better second edition was held in 2017. It is our intention to further grow and develop the awards so that they become an established event on the Namibian calendar,” he said.
He added that this year, EIF will be staging the ceremony in partnership with the Sustainable Development Advisory Council.
Libanda further urged citizens nationwide to assist EIF in searching for companies, local authorities, civil society organisations, youth, media practitioners and individuals that have demonstrated and promoted sustainable and responsible development.
This year’s awards are held under the theme ‘Accelerating the green economy transformation as we recover from Covid-19.
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“The theme represents the challenges faced by the environmental sector due to Covid-19 and would therefore like to recognise all those that continue to be committed to the transformation of Namibian into a green economy and continuously ensuring sustainable development,” he said.
He went on to state that EIF remains cognizant of the challenges bestowed by the pandemic along with the devastating impact it has had on the Namibian economy.
According to Libanda not only has the pandemic affected the country’s economy but it has simultaneously provided an opportunity for them to rethink the country’s approach towards sustainable development.
Libanda said remain committed towards ensuring the sustainable economic development through the promotion of activities that maintain and uphold the environmental integrity of the county.
“The third edition was delayed for a number of reasons but with this launch it gives much guarantee that the awards will indeed take place and Pohamba Shifeta (Minister of Environment) will announce the date,” he added.