Mariental takes lead in disaster preparedness
The Namibian town of Mariental has launched a new Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan to improve resilience against climate-related risks. The initiative, supported by international partners, positions the town as a national leader in proactive disaster management.
Why it matters
This represents a proactive governance approach to climate adaptation in developing regions, serving as a blueprint for other municipalities.
Mariental has been hailed as a national leader in disaster preparedness following the launch of its Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2030).
Addressing the launch on Friday, prime minister Elijah Ngurare said the southern town had transformed itself into a model for disaster risk management.
“The Mariental of yesteryears is not the Mariental of today. Mariental is on the move and now leading in disaster risk management,” he said.
The strategy, developed over more than two years under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative, makes Mariental the second municipality in Namibia, after Windhoek, to adopt a dedicated disaster risk reduction strategy.
Ngurare said the plan will strengthen the town’s preparedness for disasters and climate-related risks while improving long-term resilience.
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