Namibia has recorded its lowest level of rhino poaching in over a decade, with 43 rhinos poached in 2025, down from 91 in 2024. However, the threat of poaching remains active, with 24 rhinos poached so far in 2026. Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel made the announcement at the Third National Stakeholder Forum on Wildlife and Environmental Protection in Windhoek.
According to Minister Daniel, criminal syndicates are adapting rapidly to law enforcement measures and increasingly operating across borders. This has necessitated the need for stronger international and cross-border cooperation to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and reduce global demand for illegally traded wildlife and natural resources.
The Namibian government has taken steps to strengthen its anti-poaching efforts, including strengthening legislation and penalties, and establishing specialized bodies such as the Wildlife Protection Services Division and the Environmental Crime Unit within the Office of the Prosecutor General. The Ministry of Justice and Labor Relations is also advancing the Wildlife and Protected Areas Management Bill.
Minister Daniel also highlighted a recent surge in illegal plant trafficking, which she described as a growing and lucrative criminal enterprise. She called for stronger measures to combat corruption linked to environmental crimes, which impose significant costs on the economy, tourism, local communities, and conservation efforts.
The economic costs of wildlife and environmental crimes are substantial, with hundreds of millions of dollars being spent by the government, private sector, and international partners to combat the crimes. Minister Daniel urged stakeholders to translate their discussions into concrete action to protect Namibia's natural resources for future generations.
The Third National Stakeholder Forum on Wildlife and Environmental Protection brought together various stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in wildlife conservation. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing wildlife and environmental crimes.
Minister Daniel emphasized the need for collective action to address the threat of wildlife and environmental crimes. She called on stakeholders to work together to protect Namibia's natural resources and to ensure that the country's conservation efforts are effective in the long term. The government remains committed to protecting its natural resources and will continue to work with stakeholders to address the challenges posed by wildlife and environmental crimes.
Key points
- Namibia recorded its lowest level of rhino poaching in over a decade in 2025, with 43 rhinos poached.
- The threat of poaching remains active, with 24 rhinos poached so far in 2026.
- The Namibian government has strengthened its anti-poaching efforts, including legislation and specialized bodies.
