The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has launched the 4th Sustainable Development Awards to honour the legacy of the late President Hage Geingob.

The awards are slated for June 19 this year. 

The Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, said during the launch of the awards that President Geingob's legacy on the environment is imprinted in the Namibian constitution, and his advocacy on environmental matters extends to the global arena.

The awards seek to recognise institutions and individuals on environmental, social, economic, and management aspects. 

"President Geingob's legacy in environmental sustainability is etched in the Namibian Constitution, specifically Article 95, the first in the world to enshrine environmental sustainability as a constitutional imperative. His dedication to sustainable resource management and climate change commitments has paved the way for Namibia's leadership on the global stage."

The 4th Environmental Awards stand as a beacon of recognition for outstanding contributions to sustainability.

The theme for this year, "Investing in Our Planet," calls upon government, institutions, businesses, and civil society to accelerate change towards a prosperous, sustainable world. 

"The Sustainable Development Awards recognise institutions and individuals across eleven categories, ranging from private sector champions to leaders, each acknowledging the integration of environmental, social, economic, and management aspects into their practices. The edition highlights the importance of investing in our environment for a sustainable future."

The awards are the result of collaborative efforts by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council. 

The awards seek to recognise eleven categories, ranging from private sector champions to community-level natural resource management and utilisation initiatives. 

To enter, the public is encouraged to visit the website of the EIF and enter in the eligible category. 

Individuals can nominate themselves in person or as an organisation.

A committee will review the submissions and nominate participants in the 11 categories.

Submissions are due by April 11th, 2024.