‘World Environment Day’ is a global event commemorated every year on the 5th of June to raise awareness and promote action on environmental issues such as pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development and biodiversity loss. The day is supported by governments, civil societies, private sectors, businesses, and individuals.

Swakop Uranium is proud to announce a series of activities in celebration of ‘World Environment Day’, highlighting our commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. This year, our festivities centered around the creation of a large-scale mural with an environmental theme, painted by three renowned local artists and talented school children.

Mural Painting: ‘A Story of Our Planet’

The mural, located at the Swakop Uranium bus depot in Swakopmund, tells a compelling story depicting the themes of Planet Earth as our home and clean energy matrices, such as solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power, biodiversity, and harmony between humanity and nature. The mural is designed not only to be visually stunning but also to inspire awareness and action towards environmental preservation.

The story unfolds in four segments:

Our Planet Earth as Our Home
This segment emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment we all share. The picture shows the delicate balance of nature and human life, reminding us of our responsibility to protect our planet, our nature and our way of life.

Clean Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future
Here, the focus is on the role of clean energy, including solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power, in creating a sustainable future. The vibrant imagery illustrates innovative technologies and renewable energy sources that can help reduce our carbon footprint.

Biodiversity: Celebrating Namibian Wildlife
This part of the mural celebrates Namibia’s rich biodiversity, featuring iconic species and ecosystems. It highlights the need to conserve our unique flora and fauna for future generations.

Harmony Between Human Modernity and Nature
The final segment portrays a hopeful vision of the future, where human ingenuity and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously. It encourages viewers to imagine and work towards a world where sustainability is a reality.

Educational Activities: Engaging the Community

In addition to the mural painting, Swakop Uranium over a period of two weeks leading up to ‘World Environment Day,’ hosted a series of educational sessions, and activities with students at Swakopmund Secondary School, Westside High & Eagle’s Nest Private Academy and Coastal High school.

The educational sessions were aimed at raising awareness on various environmental topics, including the importance of clean energy and biodiversity conservation. The students were educated on how the Husab Mine protects the environment, and what it means to protect the environment for industries, families and individuals for future generations. Fun quizzes and rock painting sessions were held and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the students.

Clean-up Campaign: JP Brand Primary School

On 5 June 2024, 160 Upper primary school children were invited to take part in a ‘World Environment Day’ celebration hosted by the Swakop Uranium in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry & Tourism at JP Brand Primary School in Utuseb (Walvis Bay Rural). The slogan for the year was ‘Our land, Our Future #GenerationRestoration’. Through engaging sessions, students were enlightened about the importance of protecting and restoring their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for environmental preservation.

This initiative is part of Swakop Uranium’s broader Environmental Management Plan, which underscores our commitment to social responsibility and sustainable mining practices. Reflecting our dedication to community support, the Swakop Uranium Foundation donated much needed stationery to the school. This gesture was appreciated due to the fact that a storeroom containing their stationery was recently destroyed by a fire.

At the event which was officiated by the students themselves, a great show with traditional dances was enjoyed by all the attendees. The students also took part in a ‘clean-up campaign in various areas around the school. Throughout the day, students were engaged on important environmental discussions, and the day was greatly appreciated by everyone who took part.

Contributed by Swakop Uranium