By Staff Reporter WINDHOEK In celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Wildlife Society of Namibia recently announced the change of its name to Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS). According to the Director of NEWS, Helge Denker, the society will continue to conserve the natural environment of Namibia by promoting appropriate protection, wise and sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable development. “NEWS creates an environmental forum through its publications and presentations. The environmental magazine features a wide variety of illustrated articles on current affairs … of pertinent environmental issues,” said Denker. The Society also works with Namibian youth through its educational membership scheme. The initiative, Denker says, enables the youth to grow with a better understanding of numerous environmental challenges and the role they can play in ensuring a clean and safe Namibia. The Society, he added, works hard to create and spread an awareness and understanding of important issues in order to facilitate informed and positive decision-making at all levels. The main issues of current concern include global warming, sustainable utilization of all natural resources, safeguarding of wilderness integrity, sustainable water use, poverty alleviation, energy production and utilization, hazardous waste and sustainable development in general. “NEWS seeks positive dialogue and constructive cooperation with all environmental stakeholders,” he said. Apathy and lack of awareness are among the biggest current environmental problems. The Society therefore promotes and supports environment research and education in order to improve environmental understanding and pride. The goal of NEWS is to create a countrywide network of members that receive and disseminate information countrywide.