The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Dr. Tobie Aupindi, has called for innovative ways to manage Namibia's natural resources, saying the country must think global while acting local.

Dr. Aupindi spoke at a stakeholder's meeting held at Parliament today.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament and representatives from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, and Legal Assistance Centres's LEAD Project members to discuss the Gondwana Geopark Initiative.

The initiative aims to preserve Namibia's rich geological sites and turn them into hubs for sustainable tourism, education, scientific research and environmental conservation.

Dr. Aupindi stressed that natural resources must be clearly defined and better used to benefit locals.

He reminded citizens that the Namibian Constitution gives them all the rights to benefit from the country's natural wealth.

"And therefore, we are always very tactful, in particular with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and we will be having a much bigger consultation around the Ministry itself next month, but it is a very important Ministry to this committee because many of the institutions or projects that are being controlled by the Ministry in terms of setting the policies are those that are centred on natural resources.The minerals, the oil and gas and many others."

Josephine Uushona, designated national focal point of the Geopark Secretariat, presented the key areas proposed as locations for the GeoPark.

These include the Erongo Complex, Spitzkoppe, Etosha-Cuvelai System and the Orange River, all considered globally significant sites.

"So what are the benefits of Namibia having a geopark? One of all is the capacity building; it is very important that we are able to enhance our community through education and training. So geopark provides that ability or space for capacity building."

Helke Mocke, a technical adviser from the Geopark Secretariat, also shared plans and opportunities that come with the proposed Geopark.

"In July we plan on visiting some of these other geoparks that we have identified earlier, and in August 2025 another stakeholder engagement is planned, including the members of the National Assembly and National Council."

The committee met with members of the Legal Assistance Centre's LEAD Project to discuss policies around extractive industries and environmental law.

These are all part of efforts to strengthen natural resource governance in the country.