The poaching of animals, harvesting of protected plants and illegal logging of forests are all on the rise, robbing Namibians of their shared natural resources.
In an effort to create awareness to stop these crimes, the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) has in the past contributed to the creation of environmental education materials relevant to the Namibian situation.
“We are convinced that urgent action is needed to address the dramatic interrelated challenges the world is facing. In particular, these challenges are the climate crisis, massive loss of biodiversity, pollution, pandemic diseases, extreme poverty and inequalities, violent conflicts, as well as other environmental, social and economic crises that endanger life on our planet,” it said.
The LAC is, thus, inviting all schools in Namibia to participate in its second comic writing competition. Last year, only the UNESCO Associated School Network (ASPNet) and NEEN member schools participated.
“Our future depends on a healthy environment, which is inseparable from the preservation and conservation of our biodiversity,” it said.
‘Timber Troubles. A Namibian Tale and the Fight for our Forests’
Meanwhile, the outcome of the first edition of the comic competition last year was made public yesterday. The comic, titled ‘Timber Troubles. A Namibian Tale and the Fight for our Forests’, is now a Namibian teachers’ resource for schools on environmental education.
The comic is based on a submission by Gabriel Volombola and Simeon Hangula under the mentorship of Ester Alfeus of the Keetmanshoop-based Suiderlig High School.
‘Protect the Environment and Wildlife from Exploitation’
This year’s competition is taking place under the theme ‘Protect the Environment and Wildlife from Exploitation’.
Learners are encouraged to create their own comic stories about crimes against the environment or wildlife and how it affects them. It should show what the consequences are if such crimes continue and how to prevent these crimes from happening.
The story can be real or imaginary and should not be more than 12 pages long.
Entries should be in the English language – and if in vernacular languages, it must have an English translation provided.
Pupils between 14-18 years from all government and private schools in Namibia can participate, as well as groups, such as ecoclubs or individuals.
Prizes
The winning school will receive a prize to the value of N$30 000.
Second place will receive a prize to the value of N$15 000, and third place will receive a prize to the value of N$5 000.
Submit the comic between 1 August 2023 and 31 October 2023 to info@lac.org.na or our PO Box 604, Windhoek.
Winners are to be announced in early December 2023.
For more information on wildlife crime and environmental protection, see the website of the LAC under www.lac.org.na and or call us at 061 223356.