The European Union (EU) and German government launched a €12-million (N$230 million) initiative to enhance governance and cross-border cooperation for the sustainable management of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem at Swakopmund on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson for the EU delegation to Namibia, Twaku Kayofa, yesterday, the EU and the German federal ministry for economic cooperation project will be implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.
“The Benguela Current is one of the world’s most productive marine ecosystems, providing food security, jobs, and economic opportunities for millions of people across southern Africa,” noted the EU statement.
It added that sustainable fisheries, marine spatial planning, and ecosystem-based conservation efforts are essential for preserving biodiversity while fostering economic growth in coastal communities that are dependent on fisheries, aquaculture and eco-tourism.
The EU delegation said the project aims to strengthen regional ocean governance, promote sustainable economic opportunities, and build climate resilience across Angola, Namibia and South Africa.
“It directly supports the implementation of the Benguela Current Commission’s third strategic action programme while advancing international commitments, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction,” Kayofa said.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Erongo governor Neville Andre, minister of fisheries and marine resources Derek Klazen, said: “The Blue Benguela Current Action programme represents a significant step forward in uniting regional and international stakeholders to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the Benguela Current.
“Together, we can ensure that our ocean resources are preserved for generations while fostering economic growth and social inclusion,” the minister said.
EU ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins highlighted the EU’s commitment to ocean governance.
“The European Union has been one of the strongest voices promoting the governance of the seas, aligning with our agenda ‘Setting the Course for a Sustainable Blue Planet.’
“Through Blue Benguela Current Action, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening regional ocean governance, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and preserving marine biodiversity for future generations,” she told her audience, which included German ambassador Thorsten Hutter, French ambassador Cécile Vigneau, ambassador of Portugal Rui Carmo, and ambassador of Spain Alberto de la Calle.
The Blue Benguela Current Action programme is a 46-month initiative running from June 2024 to March 2028.
The project strengthens the Benguela Current Commission and national authorities to improve fisheries governance, marine resource management and regional cooperation within the southern Africa region.
“It promotes sustainable fisheries, marine-based businesses, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and marginalised communities, while enhancing marine protected areas and marine spatial planning,” noted the EU statement.
It also seeks innovative financing for long-term marine conservation, ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, the statement added.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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