[1] It was created at Namibian independence in 1990 as Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism.

[4] The ministries self-declared mission is "to promote biodiversity conservation in the Namibian environment through the sustainable utilization of natural resources and tourism development for the maximum social and economic benefit of its citizens."

Its mandate is derived from the Constitution of Namibia, specifically Chapter 11 "Principles of State Policy" and Article 95 "Promotion of the Welfare of the People".

[5] Namibia is the first African country that has integrated environmental conservation in the national constitution.

[6] The ministry has three departments:[7] It further consists of seven directorates: All environment and tourism ministers in chronological order are:[2]