Etosha National Park MEFT Enforces Empty Game-Viewing Vehicle Restrictions

• The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has restricted empty game-viewing vehicles from entering Etosha National Park.
• The directive is aimed at enforcing conservation laws and preventing gross violations within the park.
• Tour operators are required to comply with park regulations and pay entrance fees to avoid potential exposure.
• The Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 4 of 1975 provides clear guidelines for visitors to Etosha National Park, including restrictions on entering residential areas.

The Ministry wishes to stress that Etosha National Park is a protected area, not a transit town or settlement where people can just drive through and dwell as they wish.

The recent decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to restrict empty game-viewing vehicles from entering Etosha National Park has sparked controversy among tour operators. However, a closer look at the regulations governing protected areas in Namibia reveals that the directive is not a new policy, but rather an enforcement of existing laws aimed at safeguarding conservation efforts. The Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 4 of 1975, as amended, provides clear guidelines for visitors to Etosha National Park, including restrictions on entering residential areas occupied by park employees and requirements for permission to transit through the park. By enforcing these regulations, MEFT aims to prevent gross violations that compromise the safety and security of the protected area.

The Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 4 of 1975 is a cornerstone of Namibia's conservation laws, governing the management of protected areas like Etosha National Park. Regulation 12 of the ordinance explicitly states that visitors may only enter the park for the purpose for which permission was granted, while Regulation 21 prohibits entering residential areas occupied by park employees. These regulations are designed to prevent unauthorized activities and ensure that tourism operations within the park are conducted in an orderly manner. The MEFT's enforcement of these regulations is a testament to its commitment to upholding conservation laws and protecting Namibia's internationally recognized wildlife resources.

A group of tour operators and professional guides claimed that the restrictions on empty game-viewing vehicles have affected their businesses, resulting in lost bookings, reduced income, and fewer employment opportunities for local guides and small tourism enterprises. However, MEFT spokesperson Vilho Angula countered these claims by explaining that the directive was issued as a management undertaking to ensure adherence to conservation laws and prevent unauthorized activities within the park. Angula emphasized that Etosha National Park is not a transit route or public settlement, but rather a protected area that requires careful management to safeguard its integrity.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that tour operators entering Etosha National Park with empty game-viewing vehicles may be violating the Nature Conservation Ordinance, which could result in fines or penalties. Operators should ensure they comply with park regulations and pay required entrance fees to avoid any potential exposure.

Source: Original reporting via Namibia media outlet