The US government held a tree-planting ceremony at the new embassy compound in Windhoek.

Approximately 5,000 plants are being reintroduced, among them 300 trees. 33 plants are of Namibian species.

A tree planting ceremony is common following the construction of infrastructure, celebrating the milestone and reintroducing vegetation to the environment.

The embassy says it chose native plant species that don't rely on an irrigation system as a means to conserve water.

The US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, Jessica Long, says the plants will also prevent soil erosion, while symbolically they represent the friendship between the governments of Namibia and the US.

"We listened to your concern over the removal of the natural fauna when we started construction a few years ago. We relocated as many trees as we could during that timeframe to protect Namibia's natural beauty and conducted our operations in accordance with the permits. And for this reason, we consulted with the National Botanical Research Institute to ensure that we are planting native species that will not rely on an irrigation system but will instead be hand watered to conserve water."

The embassy employed over 2,000 Namibians during the construction of the new building, more than a hundred of whom were women.

In addition, 99% of the waste from the construction site has been recycled.