Biodiversity and ecosystem services are of particular importance to the tourism, agriculture and fisheries sectors in Namibia, which alongside mining, form the basis of the Namibian economy. Around 70 per cent of Namibia's population also depends on the natural resource base their income; food; medicinal needs; fuel and shelter. Against this background, the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem health is of vital importance to Namibia's socio-economic development. Previous national reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity have highlighted Namibia's approach to addressing poverty reduction, development and conservation goals in an integrated manner. Biodiversity conservation, and particularly its sustainable utilization, is promoted as an engine and enabler for poverty alleviation and economic growth, particularly in Namibia's rural areas. This report continues to focus on this approach with due regard to the guidelines for national reports, which were made available by the CBD Secretariat.