🌍 World Wildlife Day 2025: Investing in Conservation for a Sustainable Future

This World Wildlife Day, the focus is on the urgent need to fund conservation efforts under the theme: “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” With Africa’s monitored wildlife populations plummeting by an average of 76% since 1970, the call for innovative financing has never been more critical.

According to recent reports, over 55% of the world’s GDP depends on nature, highlighting the economic impact of biodiversity loss. In Africa, the ecotourism industry—valued at $12.4 billion—is a lifeline for local economies, drawing millions of tourists to experience the continent’s unique wildlife, including Namibia’s 13 national parks. The sector’s contributions reached approximately NAD 31.56 billion in 2023, showcasing the vital role of sustainable tourism in Namibia’s economy.

Experts like Peter Knights OBE from Wild Africa emphasize that investing in conservation is not just an environmental imperative but an economic one. Meanwhile, Dr. Ross Harvey of Good Governance Africa calls for a shift in how we value nature, advocating for governance systems that incentivize conservation over consumption.

Odile Gertze joined us on-air this morning to discuss the significance of World Wildlife Day and the steps needed to bridge the conservation funding gap. Her insights into the importance of investing in our natural heritage were powerful and timely.

👉 Listen to the full interview to discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future!