Namibia has recorded its lowest rhino poaching figures in more than a decade, with 43 rhinos poached in 2025, down from 91 in 2024. Environment Minister Indileni Daniel attributed the decline to concerted efforts by law enforcement agencies, national security forces, and conservationists. However, she warned that criminal syndicates are adapting rapidly, and new forms of environmental crimes, including illegal plant trafficking, are emerging. The minister made the remarks at the Third National Stakeholder Forum for Wildlife and Environmental Protection in Windhoek.
The decline in rhino poaching is a significant achievement, but Daniel warned that it should not create complacency. She said that wildlife crime is declining, but criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking continue to adapt their methods. The minister emphasized that Namibia must strengthen cooperation beyond its borders to combat wildlife crime, which is increasingly linked to international criminal syndicates and global markets. She also highlighted the need to cut the demand for wildlife products to prevent poaching and trafficking.
The economic impact of environmental crime extends beyond the direct loss of wildlife and natural resources. Daniel warned that criminal activities threaten tourism, conservation hunting, local communities, and the broader economy. The government, private sector, and international funding agencies spend hundreds of millions of dollars protecting ecosystems and combating environmental crimes, which could be channeled into other vital national development priorities. The minister also identified corruption as a major threat to efforts to protect Namibia's natural resources.
Corruption is a significant challenge in the fight against environmental crime, and Daniel called for stronger internal controls to prevent individuals from compromising protected resources for personal gain. She emphasized the need to eliminate the "corruption triangle" of opportunity, justification, and action. The minister also highlighted the importance of protecting Namibia's natural resources, not only as an economic or conservation issue but also as a constitutional and moral responsibility.
The Namibian government has strengthened its legal and institutional response to environmental crime through tougher legislation and maximum penalties. The Wildlife Protection Services Division and the Environmental Crime Unit within the Office of the Prosecutor General have been established to combat wildlife and environmental crimes. The ministry of justice and labour relations is finalizing the long-awaited Wildlife and Protected Areas Management Bill, which will further support wildlife conservation and protection once enacted.
Illegal plant trafficking has rapidly developed into a lucrative criminal enterprise, and Daniel singled it out as an emerging concern. The ministry has expanded the focus of its national stakeholder forum to include flora and forestry crimes, reflecting the changing nature of environmental crime. The minister urged stakeholders to ensure that discussions at the forum translate into concrete action to protect Namibia's natural resources.
Protecting Namibia's natural resources is a constitutional and moral responsibility, enshrined under Article 95(l) of the Namibian Constitution. The Environmental Management Act of 2007, the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act of 2008, and the National Strategy on Wildlife and Environmental Protection 2026–2035 provide a framework for conservation and protection. Daniel emphasized that stakeholders must work together to firmly protect Namibia's natural resources as a legal, ecological, and development imperative.
Key points
- 43 rhinos were poached in Namibia in 2025, down from 91 in 2024.
- The decline in rhino poaching is attributed to concerted efforts by law enforcement agencies, national security forces, and conservationists.
- New forms of environmental crimes, including illegal plant trafficking, are emerging, and Namibia must strengthen cooperation beyond its borders to combat them.
