Namibia and Botswana act against plastic bag pollution

Plastic bags banned in Namibian parks and reserves!

The Namibian Government has announced a complete ban on plastic bags in all its game parks and reserves. According to a press statement from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the ban is in immediate effect and covers all national parks and reserves in the country. Plastic bags will be confiscated upon entry into any Namibian National Park or Reserve.

The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism has been open about its desire to see a countrywide ban on plastic bags in an effort to cut down on pollution and waste-management costs. The ban on plastic in its parks and resorts looks like a first step in this direction.

Complete ban in Botswana

Meanwhile, Botswana has announced a countrywide ban on plastic bags to come into effect on 1 November 2018. The ban will make the importing, trading and commercial use of plastic bags a criminal offence. Exceptions will be made for plastics that are essential for health and hygiene.

With this announcement, Botswana joins other African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia and Eritrea that have banned plastic bags. South Africa imposed a levy on plastic bags in 2004 but they have not yet been banned.

Techpro Safari welcomes the news of these positive and proactive steps being taken to protect our precious natural resources. Take a break from plastic and come visit Africa’s great wilderness areas with us.