Namibia is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Increasing temperatures, prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, shifting seasonal patterns, and recurrent floods continue to threaten communities, critical ecosystems, food security, and regional development. These climate risks, combined with the country’s high dependence on climate-sensitive sectors, underscore the need for long-term, coordinated adaptation planning.

Against this backdrop, the National Adaptation Planning (NAP) Project, implemented by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), with funding from the Green Climate Fund, is a timely and nationally significant initiative. The project seeks to strengthen Namibia’s strategic response to climate change, generate evidence for climate-responsive planning, support private-sector involvement, and mobilise resources for long-term adaptation.

As part of NAP’s four overarching outcomes (1) Adaptation planning and institutional coordination is strengthened, (2) An evidence basis is used to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact; (3) Private sector engagement in adaptation is catalysed and (4) Adaptation finance is increased, the regional consultations are a central component in its commitment to inclusive engagement that is responsive to local vulnerabilities, needs and priorities.

During October and November 2025, the NAP team conducted regional stakeholder consultations to raise awareness and ensure that every region contributes to shaping the country’s national adaptation priorities. The engagements served as an entry point to introduce regional stakeholders to the NAP process and to gather local insights that will inform upcoming regional vulnerability assessments, a core pillar of the project. The consultations brought together regional councils, local authorities, traditional leaders, private sector actors, conservancies, farmers associations, youth representatives, academic institutions, civil society organisations, government ministries, offices and agencies, and community leaders, ensuring that adaptation planning reflects the realities on the ground.