Windhoek – In an effort to enhance environmental sustainability, Melania Ndjago, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, has recommended the rehabilitation of old waste dumps in Namibia. This recommendation was presented during a National Council report on the 10th Nevsky Ecological Congress held in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Ndjago emphasized the need for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to support and encourage local authorities in revamping old dump sites. She proposed the creation and reinforcement of legal frameworks to foster green and sustainable practices among organizations, individuals, and businesses.

During the congress, Viktoria Abramchenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, highlighted critical environmental challenges including freshwater scarcity, land pollution, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and atmospheric damage due to human activities. Ndjago, reflecting on the congress discussions, suggested that MEFT should promote biodiversity preservation in Namibia, especially in forest-rich areas, and support reforestation efforts by providing planting materials.

The 2023 Nevsky International Ecology Congress, an important global environmental platform, saw participation from over 1,500 delegates, including ministers, international organization representatives, parliamentary heads, and diplomats. The congress was jointly organized by the Russian government, the Russian Federation Council, the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS member nations, and Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.