Discover Our Story in
Environmental Assessment
Our History
Namibia’s Environmental Management Act of 2007 came into force in 2012 with the Promulgation of its Regulations. As a result, many activities now require environmental clearance certificates and the assessment process must be managed by a designated environmental assessment practitioner. Amongst other requirements, these practitioners must have knowledge of and experience in conducting assessments, including knowledge of the Environmental Management Act, its regulations and guidelines, and they must be objective.
The Environmental Professionals Association of Namibia (EPAN), formerly known as the Environmental Assessment Professionals Association of Namibia, was established in 2012, following a consultative process amongst environmental assessment professionals working in Namibia. EPAN represents and regulates environmental assessment practitioners countrywide, promoting high standards, ethical conduct, and best practices for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to ensure sustainable development and informed decision-making.
Vision, Mission and Values
© J. Kemper
© J. Kemper- EPAN promotes the application of integrated and participatory approaches to environmental assessment, conducted to the highest professional standards.
- EPAN believes the assessment of biological, physical, ecological, social, economic, cultural and health implications of proposed activities, products, services or facilities to be a critical contribution to sound decision-making processes, and to equitable and sustainable development.
- EPAN promotes access to information and the right of citizens to have a voice in decisions that affect them. This includes the free flow of complete, unbiased and accurate information to decision-makers and affected parties when assessing the impacts of policies, programmes, plans and projects.
- Respect for human dignity and human rights should underpin all assessments. EPAN acknowledges that environmental assessments should consider the impact of development on both present and future generations.
- EPAN cherishes Namibia’s diverse cultural and natural heritage and undertake to respect and protect such heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
