More than a hundred years have passed since the establishment of the first Namibian parks in 1907. It is truly impressive how conservation areas have grown since then. In this International Year of biodiversity (IYB), we are in the happy position of possessing one of the largest and most dynamic protected-area networks on the African continent, including the well-advanced community-based conservation areas and private conservation areas. We all depend on diversity of life on Earth - plants, animals, micro-organisms, their genetic variations, as well as the habitat they live in and ecosystems they create. Biodiversity provides us with food, medicine, fuel and other essentials, including water and climate regulatory services. It also provides us with education, joy and the potential for discovering and developing new materials for improving our lives. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for income generation to sustain people's livelihoods. Our protected areas are vital tools for conserving Namibia's essential biodiversity. By managing our protected areas properly, we will leave the irreplaceable assets and the unlimited potential they possess to future generations. Our protected areas also draw hundreds of thousands of tourists to Namibia. The international fascination with Namibia's parks is growing annually and, as more visitors arrive, they generate employment and stimulate development, not just in the parks, but nationwide.