The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism plans to recruit 50 young Namibians into its anti-poaching unit as part of intensified efforts to protect threatened wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, and pangolins. The decision comes in the wake of significant poaching incidents recorded in 2024, which saw 83 cases of rhino poaching and nine elephant poaching incidents. Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, announced to Cabinet while presenting the ministry's 2025/2026 budget motivation. According to Daniel, the ministry remains resolute in its fight against illegal wildlife killings and plant poaching despite these recorded losses. Daniel also addressed the prevalent issue of human-wildlife conflict in the country, which is rife. She highlighted several preventative measures that have been implemented, including protecting water infrastructure from elephant damage, constructing predator-proof kraals, collaring and monitoring conflict-causing species, and developing elephant-friendly water sources. "We recognize the challenges posed by elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas," she said. According to Daniel, this year, their focus is on practical solutions, including alternative water points for elephants, protection walls for community water sources, and predator-proof kraals to safeguard livestock. Meanwhile, Namibia currently has 86 conservancies, benefiting approximately 300,000 people through conservation-linked livelihoods and employment. "This year, the focus is on enhancing conservancy management, ensuring compliance and good governance, and supporting wildlife management activities to improve community well-being and job creation," Daniel said in regard of the conservancies.