BY: FOIBE SHAHEPA
The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) kicked off Namibia’s third Sustainable Development Awards (SDA) this morning in Windhoek under the theme “Accelerating the green economy transformation as we recover from Covid-19”. Launched by the funds CEO Benedict Libanda, the aim of the awards is to identify and reward institutions including individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and excellence in environmentally friendly practices while encouraging the performance of best sustainability practices.
“ We are staging the third edition of the SDA in partnership with Sustainable Development Advisory Council, we, therefore, invite citizens nationwide to join us in search of companies, local authorities, civil society organizations, youth, media practitioners, and individuals that have demonstrated and promoted sustainable and responsible development, “ he said.
According to the Libanda, the theme represents the challenges faced by the environmental sector due to the Covid -19 pandemic and therefore like to recognize all those committed to the transformation of Namibia into a green economy and continuously ensuring sustainable development. He added that they remain cognizant of the challenges brought on by COVID-19, and its devastating impact. However, he added that the pandemic has unlocked other opportunities to reinvent the country’s approach towards sustainable development.
“We at the EIF are committed to ensuring sustainable economic development through the promotion of activities that maintain and uphold the environmental integrity of the country, “ he said.
The awards are scheduled to take place on 21 May 2021 and applications are closing on 16 April 2021. Applicants are encouraged to highlight initiatives, which impacted environmental issues, promoting behavioural change among the youth and involving the youth in projects that improve the health of the environment.
Nine categories will be awarded including Private sector champions for Sustainable Development. This category will make provision for start-ups, small and medium enterprises as well as established companies. The awards will also celebrate Community level natural resource management and utilization initiatives as well as Research and development and innovation to reward outstanding pieces of research or innovation.
Another category is youth action for sustainable development and pioneering journalism in the field of sustainable development. Women and the environment t is also a category as well as sustainable schools. Green financial services and institutions and Thought leadership on the topic of sustainable development will be awarded too.
