This paper examines the evolution, since 1990, of key government policies on sustainable development in Namibia. Namibia's approach has been largely homegrown, responding to issues that are of concern to the Namibian public and policy-makers. The most successful policies have been those that have either been based on strong community-level institutions such as conservancies, or on high-quality scientific analysis, such as the management of fisheries and Environmental Assessments (EAs). Both examples have involved strong stakeholder participation in the formulation of policies and legislation.