Every year, Namibian communities face devastating losses caused by disasters. Forest and veldt fires, floods, drought, other hazards and their associated disaster consequences have significant impacts on communities, the economy, infrastructure and the environment. Over the past decade, the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) has collaborated on reforming disaster management approaches. In 2009 Government approved the National Disaster Risk Management Policy that advocated for improved capacity for early warning, tracking, monitoring and disseminating information on phenomena and activities that trigger disaster events. The policy also emphasises future direction for Namibian disaster risk management based on achieving community and organisational resilience and promoting long-term solutions. Key policy changes focus on sustainable livelihood practices, and promoting disaster risk reduction among people impacted on by natural disasters. The new approach and focus is preventive rather than reactive, holistic rather than emergency oriented. The above is demonstrated by government's call for the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into development planning and resource allocation frameworks.