Miss Earth Namibia 2023, Martha Kautanevali, is advocating for sustainable development beyond the crown.

In a quest to represent Namibia on the global stage, she journeyed to Vietnam to participate at the 23rd Miss Earth pageant, held in Ho Chi Minh City.

Among the 86 contenders who vied for the coveted crown, Kautanevali made a notable mark, securing a place among the top 12 contestants celebrated for their Best National Costume presentations.

Her attire, a striking ode to the Aloe Vera plant, not only showcased her cultural roots but also echoed her dedication to sustainable living.

"The aloe plant comes from how the aloe leaves or how the aloe grows in the desert of our country, sort of like anywhere, and growing up in the village, I had the aloe as one thing we kind of had as a source of medicine. It has so many solutions to problems we have from diseases, even food and products we can use on our faces. And with Aloe also being on the emblem of the City of Windhoek, I think Aloe would make a great impression on this continent, or rather, on my country. I believe that aloe was really one of them that stood out for me because it would stand so much time, represent the dryness of my country, and show the people how we are able to adapt in such a hot environment."
 

A civil engineer by profession, Kautanevali seamlessly combines her expertise with her passion for environmental causes.

Although she did not bring home the crown, her determination remains unwavering.

She articulated her commitment to continue advocating for environmental opportunities, youth empowerment, and community development, leveraging these pursuits to bolster sustainable development initiatives.

Looking ahead, she unveiled her future endeavours, revealing plans to collaborate with the Commissioner of Green Hydrogen in Namibia.

She announced an upcoming television programme centred on green hydrogen, aiming at raising awareness and promoting eco-friendly practices within the country.

Moreover, the resilient Miss Earth Namibia 2023 outlined her ambitious tree-planting initiative, through which she aims to sow 2,800 trees at various schools, public spaces, and orphanages this year.

Thus, in a call to action, Kautanevali urged public support for the initiative, inviting donations and emphasising the collective responsibility to nurture a greener future.