THE first annual environmental crimes conference for Namibia will be held in Windhoek early next year.

The organisers, Intelligence Transfer Centre, said the conference will look at compliance and enforcement of environmental regulations and prosecution

According to a 2011 book titled 'Environmental Law and Policy in Namibia', environmental crimes include violation of environmental laws and criminal sanctions for non-compliance.

An environmental crime is defined as an act or omission that damages the environment.

Examples of environmental crimes are the illegal emission of hazardous substances into the air, water or soil, illegal harvesting or hunting, dumping of waste and illegal trade in endangered species.

Environmental crimes may be committed by companies, governments and citizens.

The conference will be held from March 14 to 15.

A number of speakers have been approached to make presentation at the conference. Conservationist Samson Mulonga will talk about ensuring enforcement against environmental crimes. Dr Sindila Mwiya of Forsight Group Namibia will talk about conducting successful environmental impact assessment and site monitoring, while Martha Mwandingi - the head of the Environment and Energy Unit at the United Nations Development Programme, will address the conference on understanding the role of multilateral environmental agreements.

Absalom Shigwedha is a freelance environmental journalist