The Ministry of Environment and Tourism in conjunction with the Indian High Commission and the United Nations System in Namibia celebrated the World Environment Day on 05 June in the Karasburg Town, Southern Namibia. 

As the day is about raising awareness and educating the public on the importance of protecting and taking care of the environment, the Think Namibia project and United Nations Namibia  had an exhibition table and handed out various posters and information sheets to the students to further deepen their knowledge about Namibia's environment and how we can help to take better care of it.

"Even though we are not a big emitter of greenhouse gases, our vulnerability to the impacts of climate change puts a great onus on us to do what we can to reduce our emissions and to enhance our status as a Carbon sink." Says Hon. Bernadette Jagger.

World Environment Day celebrations also coincided with the remembrance of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi whose active life as a lawyer, politician, social activist and writer was the greatest lesson he left to the world. Through his work he emulated the ethos of putting the furthest behind first, ensuring no one is left behind. Contributing to SDG 15, the Indian High Commissioner to Namibia, H.E Mr. Prashant Angraval, represented by the Head of Chancery, Mr. Vinay Kumar demonstrated “Ghandi in action” by planting 150 seedlings at Karasburg schools as a gesture of respect to Mahatma Ghandi and symbolic inspiration for future generations.

“The purpose of today’s tree plantation is to save the endangered environment and to beautify our life. As all of us are aware, trees are valuable gifts of nature. They are known as the best friends of human beings. They benefit us in various ways. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give us oxygen without which no living being can live.” Mr. Kumar says.

The //Karas Region is one of the driest regions in Namibia. The delegation for the World Environment Day all planted a tree at the Karasburg primary school for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "On this World Environment Day, we urge communities and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy and green technologies and improve air quality in cities." Reads Mr. Toivo Shikongo, representing UN Namibia at the commemoration.

The Karasburg youth, through various performances such as singing, acting, role play and poems delivered a bold but clear message that it is time to Beat Air Pollution. Karasburg has 4 schools and they all received an equal share of the 150 trees that are donated.

The event ended with the director of Forestry Mr. Joseph Hailwa facilitating the planting of the trees. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry carefully selected the types of trees that can withstand the extreme weather in Karasburg.