Namibia launches carbon markets project to address climate change

WINDHOEK, Aug. 30 — Namibia on Monday launched the promotion of a carbon markets project aimed at enhancing the implementation of the nationally determined contributions toward net-zero emission and climate-resilient development, in response to the climate emergency.
Namibia recognizes that achieving the 2030 climate goal will require the provision of a conducive enabling environment for the emission trading schemes to thrive, the country’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta said at the launch.
The project is designed to establish the enabling environment for Namibia to pursue carbon market-based options to allow for more stakeholders to participate in addressing climate change, Shifeta said, adding that this will place Namibia in the lead among the sub-Sahara African countries to pilot and support the development of region-wide frameworks for carbon market mechanisms.
“Namibia presents a favourable environment for the implementation of carbon markets particularly in the agriculture, forestry, and energy sectors,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, UNDP Resident Representative Alka Bhatia said by entering carbon markets, Namibia can advance its socioeconomic development while transitioning to a low-carbon economy in a cost-effective way that puts a price on carbon, allows for carbon trading, and stimulates new market opportunities for the private sector as well.
Bhatia, however, said this will require Namibia to have robust policies, regulations, procedures, and appropriate institutional arrangements in place.
She said carbon projects can benefit the Namibian population through strengthened livelihoods and mitigation actions to boost inclusive green recovery from COVID-19.
According to Bhatia, in collaboration with the government, UNDP is currently designing key building blocks for carbon market trade in Namibia.  (Xinhua)