Sustainable Development is a wide topic.
LEAD focusses on four key areas of interventions, the roles with regard to natural resource management, roles with regard to planning of natural resource management, support to Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) and support to marginalised/indigenous peoples (such as the San).
We follow the following objectives:
- Natural Resource Management Roles are clear and accountable, see also DRFN publication for more info.
- SEA/Land Use/Development/Structural – Planning Roles are reconciled, clear and accountable
- CBNRM is expanded, harmonized and accountable, see also NACSO
- Marginalized people (such as the San) are empowered to meaningfully participate in their own development in fostering stronger socio-economic and political ties as equal citizens of the Namibian society
Forestry
LEAD approached the Ombudsman’s Office with a view to ascertaining its stance regarding the ongoing timber-harvesting controversy in Kavango Region. The Ombudsman expressed a desire to support any legal intervention to curb the illicit trade, but how this could be accomplished or what strategy may be employed was not readily ascertainable. Various government statements have suggested that a moratorium is in place and that cross-border timber transit is properly monitored. There is some evidence to support the view that harvesting permits are issued unscrupulously and harvesting is not limited to defined areas or species, or according to any environmental management programme.
LEAD is researching this matter and will possibly embark on a legal intervention strategy to control unsustainable forest and ecosystem destruction. LEAD has meanwhile addressed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economics on the negative impact of unsustainable logging of indigenous wood species in Namibia.
Oil exploration
LEAD has been given the status of “interested party” to the proceedings taking place in Kavango regarding oil exploration, and we have received complaints by directly affected parties regarding the process and stages of exploration. These parties also include indigenous people living from the natural resources affected by the operation. LEAD continues to provide support to the traditional authorities, ranging from assistance with litigation to the drafting of trust deeds and providing advice regarding the Traditional Authorities Act and how to properly address its requirements.
Please also read our page on the topic as well as ProBono on Environmental Assesments.
