Zandre Josephs is excited to represent Namibia at the upcoming Miss Teen Eco-Tourism World Pageant that is expected to take place in South Africa next week.

Speaking to nbc News at Keetmanshoop, the 20-year-old beauty queen says that the platform provides the perfect opportunity for young people to advocate for sustainable tourism, which is the backbone of many emerging and developing countries in the world.

Miss Eco Teen is an international beauty competition bringing together representatives of different cultures and traditions from all over the world to promote the importance of saving the environment and marketing sustainable tourism across the world.

Josephs was born in Keetmanshoop and is currently a third-year student for a Bachelor's Degree in Junior Primary Education.

She says that littering negatively affects the environment and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Currently, Zandre Josephs is ranked third among the contestants for the public choice award; however, she needs more votes to stand a chance to be crowned the Miss Teen Eco-Tourism World for 2024, which will take place on February 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The Namibian representative in the Miss Teen Eco-Tourism World 2024 Pageant had this message for Namibians as the country continues to mourn the passing of its third president, Dr. Hage Geingob.

"I firstly want to say that I am sad, heartbroken, and broken down into many pieces, and I know for a fact that we will get the same President as he was, and I just want to send out my condolences to the family and friends, and may our President rest in peace."

Some of the ecotourism activities that one can participate in include hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural activities with local communities, among others.