Namibia Submits First Biennial Transparency Report and Fifth National Communication to the UNFCCC

February 25, 2025
Report cover with a blue section, title, and a coat of arms at the top.

 

 

 

Windhoek, Namibia – The Government of the Republic of Namibia, through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), proudly announces the official submission of Namibia's First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) and Fifth National Communication (NC5) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 31 December 2024. This significant milestone underscores Namibia's unwavering commitment to global climate action and its obligations under the Paris Agreement.[1]

The combined BTR1 and NC5 report marks Namibia's transition to the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), offering a comprehensive and coherent account of the country’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, support needed and received, and progress toward achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

"This submission is a testament to Namibia's dedication to transparency and accountability in climate action. We recognise the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on our most vulnerable communities and remain committed to implementing effective and sustainable climate solutions."
Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

The preparation of the report was made possible through the generous financial support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the technical assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Collaborative contributions from various government ministries, private sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and academic institutions were instrumental in the successful completion of the report.

"Namibia's timely submission of its first BTR and fifth National Communication signals a proactive stance in meeting international climate commitments. This comprehensive report not only reflects Namibia's leadership in climate transparency but also provides a foundation for attracting international support to scale up climate action. UNDP is honoured to support Namibia in this critical endeavour."
Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Namibia Resident Representative.

Access the Namibia’s First Biennial Transparency Report and Fifth National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement documents in English here:


 

Key highlights from the BTR1 and NC5 report include:

  • Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Namibia remains a net carbon sink, with significant contributions from the Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector due to afforestation, sustainable forest management, and reduced deforestation efforts.

  • Mitigation Actions: Implementation of renewable energy projects, climate-smart agriculture practices, and enhanced forest conservation initiatives to achieve Namibia’s emission reduction targets.

  • Adaptation Strategies: Strengthened Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), promotion of drought-resistant crops, expansion of community-based natural resource management, and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.

  • Financial and Technical Support: Successful mobilisation of international climate finance, including support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and deployment of innovative technologies for sustainable development.

Namibia's comprehensive approach to climate action, as outlined in this report, demonstrates its readiness to contribute meaningfully to the global effort to limit global temperature rise and build resilience against climate impacts. This submission aligns with Namibia's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient future for all Namibians.