National parks closed during lockdown

By Confidente Reporter

THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has announced that all Namibian national parks will be closed for the duration of the lockdown period in compliance with the state of emergency declared by President Hage Geingob.

According to a MEFT press release, during the same period, tour operations and guided activities will not be allowed in the national parks, which also includes the closure of accommodation establishments.

However, accommodation establishments in national parks may remain open if they have stranded visitors, provided the guests remain at such an establishment for the period of the lockdown.

MEFT spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that, “The public should note that anti-poaching activities will continue unhindered to protect the natural resources of this country.

Those intending to take chances in this regard are therefore warned that the ministry together with the law enforcement agencies will be on full alert and ready to deal with any illegal activities within our national parks.

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He added that the ministry will continue to attend to reports of human wildlife conflict incidences during the lockdown period. In addition, consideration and processing of new and pending applications for environmental clearance certificates, permits and licenses by the ministry during the period of the lockdown will be suspended. Farm inspections will also be suspended during the same time.

He went on to say MEFT believes that the directives are necessary in an effort to deal with and stop the further spread of Covid-19.