Namibia takes action to protect forests, combat deforestation

WINDHOEK, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Namibia is actively addressing the critical issue of deforestation through a range of comprehensive measures, including forest protection, tree planting programs, and wildfire management, to safeguard its valuable forests and maintain ecological balance, an official said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a conference in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta emphasized the vital role that trees and forests play in providing essential ecosystem services and supporting economic benefits such as timber production, while also contributing to job creation in the wood-based industries.