A new environmental initiative is set to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders when the inaugural Miss Glow by the Bay 2026 pageant takes place at the Miss Glow by the Bay on Friday, 29 August 2026.
Founded by educator Lucia Lucas, who has more than 13 years of teaching experience, the youth-led programme is redefining the concept of pageantry by placing environmental advocacy, education and community service at its core.
Hosted in partnership with the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) through the IKI-CREAF Programme, and supported by the Municipality of Walvis Bay and Walvis Bay Salt, the initiative aims to raise awareness about wetland conservation while empowering young women to become environmental ambassadors.
Open to young women aged 15 to 20, the pageant encourages participants to become advocates for one of Namibia’s most valuable natural assets – the Walvis Bay Lagoon, an internationally recognised wetland and an important stopover for thousands of migratory birds travelling along the East Atlantic Flyway. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, Miss Glow by the Bay focuses on leadership and conservation.
The ten contestants each represent one of 12 iconic wetland or migratory bird species through the Adopt-a-Species Campaign, using educational videos, community outreach activities and social media platforms to share conservation messages and promote environmental stewardship. Lucas explained that the programme follows an “infotainment” model, blending education, creativity and entertainment to make environmental issues more engaging and accessible to young people.
“Our primary goal is to promote wetland conservation, raise awareness about migratory birds and inspire youth participation in environmental stewardship,” she said. Lucas hopes the pageant will evolve into a sustainable platform that supports school Eco Clubs, community conservation projects and youth leadership development, while inspiring more young Namibians to protect the country’s unique biodiversity.
According to Joachim Naulaerts, Project Manager of the IKI-CREAF Programme, the initiative provides an innovative way of connecting young Namibians with their natural heritage. “Miss Glow by the Bay offers a creative and inspiring platform to connect young Namibians with this natural heritage, transforming awareness into pride and pride into stewardship,” he said.
The overall winner will be crowned Glow by the Bay Youth Environmental Ambassador 2026 and will receive a scholarship, sponsored by Walvis Bay Salt, to pursue studies in an environmental field. As Youth Environmental Ambassador, the winner will also receive support from the Namibia Nature Foundation and the IKI-CREAF Programme to lead community-based conservation initiatives.
With conservation taking centre stage instead of conventional pageantry, Miss Glow by the Bay is proving that young people can play a leading role in safeguarding Namibia’s environmental future.
Ahead of the pageant, organisers hosted a two-day environmental outreach programme at Narraville Primary School, Kuisebmond Primary School and Flamingo Secondary School, where hundreds of learners participated in presentations, games and quizzes focusing on Ramsar Sites, biodiversity and wetland conservation.
By Rudi Bowe
