The newly established Environmental Crimes Court will send a clear deterrent message to perpetrators of crimes against wildlife and the environment.
The specialised court, which was unveiled at Otjiwarongo, has been lauded as a worthy investment to help the authorities protect Namibia's natural resources.
The Environmental Crimes Court, a first of its kind in Namibia, would tackle offences under the Environmental Management Act.
These include poaching, illegal logging, and others that are detrimental to the country's fauna and flora.
The challenges experienced in addressing crimes against the environment are complex and, as such, require multifaceted approaches.
The Environmental Crimes Court would work in tandem with stakeholders such as traditional authorities, NGOs, and the private sector.
"The significance of this court extends beyond mere legal proceedings. It embodies our recognition that environmental protection is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. We have a duty to safeguard our natural resources for future generations to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a world that is as vibrant and rich as the one we enjoy today," said Chief Justice Peter Shivute.
The personnel to be deployed to the Environmental Crimes Court have been trained already.
Apart from providing funding assistance to the court, the US government says the mechanisms it has developed back home to protect its environment can also be applied in Namibia.
Randy Berry, the US Ambassador to Namibia, said, "So, over the years, the US government has worked with the government of Namibia to implement many innovative strategies to address these challenges. Since 2016, we are so proud to have invested more to strengthen law enforcement and build international cooperation to combat this trafficking."
The Environmental Crimes Court is also expected to reduce case backlogs for the said crimes and ensure a speedy trial for the culprits.
This year, two courts were running in Oshakati as part of the special operation that saw 139 cases of crimes finalised and ended in convictions.