Environmental education plays a vital role in achieving glob- al biodiversity targets by providing communities with essential skills and knowledge.
The project “Strengthening Implementation of Global Biodiversity Targets through Education & Engagement,” led by EduVentures and supported by GIZ Namibia, empowered Namibian learners, teachers, and community members through awareness campaigns.
This initiative aligns with Namibia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 3(NBSAP 3) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) goals.
EduVentures focused on enhancing biodiversity education in Namibia’s formal education by hosting two teacher training workshops at the Namutoni and Okatjikona Environmental Education Centres.
The workshops involved 30 teachers and 6 Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism staff, aiming to help teachers integrate biodiversity conservation and key frameworks, strengthen knowledge, confidence, and practical skills into their teaching.
Participants engaged in interactive presentations, group discussions, and hands-on experiences to explore innovative approaches to teaching biodiversity in Environmental Studies and Life Sciences.
Teachers learned active methodologies like field investigations, biodiversity mapping, and community projects, making education more engaging and relevant. Each trained teacher is expected to reach about 40 learners daily, potentially benefiting around 1,200 learners across Namibia and extending the project’s impact.
The active role of MEFT officials ensured that training content was technically accurate and aligned with Namibia’s environmental education goals.
The collaboration between MEFT and the Ministry of Education strengthened the integration of biodiversity education in the formal system.
Utilizing MEFT’s Environmental Education Centres as implementation platforms reinforced government ownership and supported the institutionalization of biodiversity awareness and environmental education.
A 4.5-minute educational biodiversity awareness video was developed by EduVentures to complement teacher training workshops.
Using locally relevant examples, the video highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation, showcasing the roles of young people, women, and indigenous knowledge. It presents complex environmental concepts in an engaging way and received positive feedback during pilot workshops.
The video was disseminated through EduVentures social media, school networks, and local radio stations, reaching audiences in both urban and rural communities.
Monitoring and evaluation formed an integral part of the teacher training program, showing significant improvements in understanding biodiversity concepts through preand post-training assessments. Workshop surveys indicated high satisfaction levels with delivery and learning experience.
As part of Activity 3: Community Outreach and School Programs, EduVentures conducted training in four conservancies, namely: Puros, Okondjom- bo Muduva Nyangana and George Mukoya Conservancies, reaching 98 community members.
The sessions in Puros Conservancy took place on 3–4 December 2025 at Puros Primary School, where 25 participants received biodiversity awareness training. In Okondjombo Conservancy, workshops on 6–7 December 2025 took place at the Ministry of Gender facilities in Opuwo, engaging another 25 participants.
The sessions in Muduva Nyangana took place at the Conservancy office with 22 participants from the 27-28 March 2026. George Mukoya sessions took at the conservancy office with 26 participants at the conservancy office from the 30-31 March 2026.
EduVentures began its 2026 activities with a community training in Dordabis on 9–10 March, focusing on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and community engagement.
The interactive sessions included practical learning and group discussions to aid participants in understanding their roles in conserving biodiversity.
Four participants were selected to attend the World Water Day and World Wetlands Day celebrations in Windhoek on 11 March, gaining exposure to national initiatives and engaging with stakeholders.
This experience inspired them to advocate for sustainable natural resource management in their communities. Youth engagement was a key part of the Schools Biodiversity Awareness Campaigns held from 4–8 May 2026 in the Omatako and Okakarara Constituencies.
Learners from the three conservancies participated in activities aimed at raising awareness of biodiversity conservation and climate change. Four educational stations featured the Ombombo Mobile Classroom, climate change exhibitions, interactive games, and museum activities, all highlighting Namibia’s natural heritage.
These experiences fostered teamwork, curiosity, critical thinking, and environmental responsibility while supporting NBSAP 3 and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Recognising the importance of local community involvement in biodiversity conservation, EduVentures conducted a Community Training and Mobilisation Programme from 18 May to 2 June 2026 in Otuaņi Village, Gam, and Tsumkwe.
Thirty community representatives, including traditional leaders, women, youth, farmers, and residents, participated in two-day training sessions focused on adult learning and participatory dialogue.
The programme integrated indigenous knowledge with scientific understanding of biodiversity, covering topics such as conservation, ecosystem services, climate change, and national biodiversity frameworks while addressing local conservation challenges.
The training program enabled community representatives to engage in national biodiversity events.
Three participants from Otuaņi Village were chosen to represent their community at Namibia’s International Day for Biological Diversity in Khorixas on May 22, 2026.
They received mentorship from Project Manager Mr. Corris Kaapehi to prepare them for the event. Their involvement underscored the project’s dedication to amplifying community voices in biodiversity discussions and promoting local leadership in conservation.
The International Day for Biological Diversity celebrations united communities, school learners, conservationists, government bodies, and development partners to honor Namibia’s biodiversity and its commitment to conservation.
The event emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and Namibia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, highlighting the key role of informed and empowered communities in achieving these goals.
The event was celebrated in Khorixas on the 22nd May 2026 under the theme: Acting Locally for a Global Impact.
Biodiversity conservation goes beyond protected areas and policies it is rooted in informed citizens who recognize its value and act locally. Through education, community mobilization, and partnerships, EduVentures connects global commitments to local efforts.
- By: Corris Kaapehi and Laina Abiatar, EduVentures Trust.
