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MISS EARTH NAMIBIA
MARTHA KAUTANEVALI
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
I grew up with my grandparents in an extended family home in a village found in Ohangwena region, north of Namibia. We practiced farming (crops and animals) where my love for the environment and sustainable practices has evoked. In school I was an obedient child who lead most of the times and always made sure I performed because I did not want to disappoint my parents. I never took part in competitions and games because I was scared of failure, which positively fueled my academic performance.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
The most memorable moment was when I was crowned Miss Earth Namibia, which made me realize that I have a purpose bigger than myself, through change, influence and exploring I am finding my mark and this is only the beginning.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
Family is the backbone of our society which is very evident to my family, we value education more than anything. They can collectively pay for your studies, and I am a product of my family’s care and contributions.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
The most unusual thing I have ever done was taking part in a beauty contest. Looking at my past (high school and university). My whole life I have feared failure or a getting a no, so I never asked for help nor did I take part in competitions. Me being here is a sign of “You can do it.” I have faced my fears and I will always encourage young people to go for it because you can do it too.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
As a civil engineer, I serve as an advocate for sustainable practices, and I therefore encourage us earthlings to use sustainable transportation e.g walking/cycling instead of driving or using public transport more. Let’s practice a “Leave no trace” principle and clean up after yourself especially during travels. My country Namibia has incredible wildlife and we need to conserve them by encouraging anti-poaching initiatives, respecting wildlife by admiring them from far and not disturbing their natural habitats as well as supporting responsible wildlife reserves. Overall, I encourage earthlings to reduce, reuse and recycle energy and resources.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
My country Namibia is a nation that embodies the spirit of harmony between nature and humanity. Our landscapes whisper tales of resilience (from the majestic dunes of the Namib desert and untamed beauty of Etosha National Park), but my pride goes beyond the breathtaking scenery, it lies in our commitment to environmental stewardship. We embrace the blend of modernity and tradition which is also seen in the diversity of our cultures. My Namibia, my country, my pride.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
My advocacy stems from the global issues that mostly affect the youth and underserved communities as well as the environment (global warming and land degradation; hunger and poverty for underserved communities as well as youth unemployment). Grow with Queenshono is an initiative and foundation I started that focuses on three pillars of my purpose: Environmental Awareness, Community Development and Youth empowerment. Under each pillar is a project aimed at improving the socio-economic and environmental status of our earth and her earthlings. I have “Donate a Tree initiative” in which I have been collecting and donating trees and vegetables to orphanages, schools (at schools we also register an environmental awareness club), and public open spaces throughout Namibia. The goal is to sustainably meet the community halfway.