https://en.sputniknews.africa/20231117/namibia-opens-its-first-community-seed-bank-to-protect-biodiversity-1063605273.html
Namibia Opens Its First Community Seed Bank to Conserve Biodiversity
Namibia Opens Its First Community Seed Bank to Conserve Biodiversity
Sputnik Africa
Community seed banks play a key role in collecting, storing and protecting local seeds. In the event of crop damage or destruction, they serve as an emergency... 17.11.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-11-17T12:31+0100
2023-11-17T12:31+0100
2023-11-17T14:25+0100
sub-saharan africa
namibia
southern africa
environment
agriculture
zimbabwe
policy
nature
nature reserve
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Namibia's first community seed bank opened in the Kavango West region this week to conserve local seed varieties and biodiversity, and strengthen food security, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) stated.The bank was funded by the EIF together with Namibian telecommunications company MTC, and German company for sustainable development GIZ. More than N$500,000 (nearly $300,000) were invested in this project, the EIF wrote.The main goal of creating the bank was to protect natural resources by preventing the overexploitation of different varieties of seeds. The establishment of such a bank would not only prevent the depletion of resources, but also ensure the preservation of seeds for the benefit of future generations, the fund stated.Besides, the location for the bank's construction was not chosen by chance. According to a 2019 study published in the Canadian scientific journal Environment and Natural Resources Research, the Kavango West region, located in northern Namibia suffers from land degradation and forest loss. However, as the fund points out, the bank would benefit the entire country, and make a significant contribution to Namibia's food security.The project also underscores the broader goal of protecting natural resources and promoting the country's environmental sustainability, according to the Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Johnson Ndokosho.In addition, Lot Ndamanomhata, EIF Corporate Communications Manager, noted that this project is not just an investment, but a contribution to the development of the country for future generations.In conjunction with the opening of the Sharukwe Seed Bank, the Fund in its statement "urged" Namibians to maintain and use the infrastructure, expressing a shared commitment to a cleaner environment and biodiversity conservation.This project marked the start of a journey towards sustainable development, contributing to the protection of the environment and the sustainability of Namibia's agriculture for future generations, the Fund concluded.Although Namibia began construction of its first community seed bank only this year, neighboring countries such as Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe have long adopted the practice, with Zimbabwe boasting an impressive 26 community seed banks.
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namibia, southern africa, environment, agriculture, zimbabwe, policy, nature, nature reserve
namibia, southern africa, environment, agriculture, zimbabwe, policy, nature, nature reserve
Namibia Opens Its First Community Seed Bank to Conserve Biodiversity
12:31 17.11.2023 (Updated: 14:25 17.11.2023) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Community seed banks play a key role in collecting, storing and protecting local seeds. In the event of crop damage or destruction, they serve as an emergency seed supply, ensuring farmers have access to seeds for the next planting season.
Namibia's first community seed bank opened in the Kavango West region this week to conserve local seed varieties and biodiversity, and strengthen
food security, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF)
stated.
The bank was funded by the EIF together with Namibian telecommunications company MTC, and German company for sustainable development GIZ. More than N$500,000 (nearly $300,000) were invested in this project, the EIF wrote.
The main goal of creating the bank was to protect natural resources by preventing the overexploitation of different varieties of seeds. The establishment of such a bank would not only prevent the depletion of resources, but also ensure the preservation of seeds for the benefit of future generations, the fund stated.
Besides, the location for the bank's construction was not chosen by chance. According to a 2019 study
published in the Canadian scientific journal
Environment and Natural Resources Research, the Kavango West region, located in northern Namibia suffers from
land degradation and forest loss. However, as the fund points out, the bank would benefit the entire country, and make a significant contribution to Namibia's food security.
The project also underscores the broader goal of protecting natural resources and promoting the country's environmental sustainability, according to the Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Johnson Ndokosho.
"The Ministry is going to continue to establish this type of infrastructure; we are planning to construct one in Kavango East and around the Ndiyona area, then another one in Omusati, and another one in the Oshikoto Region in the coming five years," Ndokosho said in his address, emphasizing the government's commitment to expanding such infrastructure.
In addition, Lot Ndamanomhata, EIF Corporate Communications Manager, noted that this project is not just an investment, but a contribution to the development of the country for future generations.
"This initiative extends beyond financial backing; it embodies a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of our natural heritage," he said.
In conjunction with the opening of the Sharukwe Seed Bank, the Fund in its statement "urged" Namibians to maintain and use the infrastructure, expressing a shared commitment to a cleaner environment and biodiversity conservation.
This project marked the start of a journey towards sustainable development, contributing to the protection of the environment and the sustainability of Namibia's agriculture for future generations, the Fund concluded.
Although Namibia began construction of its first community seed bank only this year, neighboring countries such as Zambia, South Africa and
Zimbabwe have long adopted the practice, with Zimbabwe boasting an impressive 26 community seed banks.
