This paper is an attempt to examine how resource economics has been applied in Namibia. Specifically, the lessons learned during three and a half years of practical application of resource economics in environmental planning are identified. To assist in achieving the goal of sustainable, efficient and equitable use of natural resources in Namibia a resource economics programme was initiated in the Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism in 1993. The programme aims to value natural resource use, to assess and recommend optimal use, to identify the economic causes of unsustainable use, and to create incentives for optimal use.