STAFF WRITER
THe Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) recently hosted a delegation from REPOA, a leading
Tanzanian research institution to share notes on the successful implementation and lessons learned from Namibia’s National Blue Economy Policy within the maritime sector.
The port authority’s marketing and stakeholder engagement manager, Cliff Shikwambi in a statement on Monday said the timely exchange comes as the global community marks two crucial environmental
observances of World Environment Day, with its powerful theme to “Beat Plastic Pollution,” and World Oceans Day, which calls on us to sustain the vital resources that sustain us.
“ These themes resonate deeply with the core principles of the Blue Economy. The delegation from REPOA (Research on Poverty Alleviation) sought to benchmark Namport’s practices and gain firsthand knowledge of how Namibia is translating its
ambitious Blue Economy policy into tangible action. As Tanzania and other nations in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) look to develop their own aquatic potential, Namibia’s pioneering efforts serve as a valuable case study,” Shikwambi said.
He said Namibia’s vision of a thriving blue economic policy is a comprehensive framework designed to
harness the vast potential of its aquatic ecosystems for national prosperity. “The policy is built on the pillars of environmental protection, sustainable production, and social
inclusivity. It aims to create a future where economic benefits from sectors like fisheries, marine transport, aquaculture, and coastal tourism are maximized, while simultaneously safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring that the rewards are distributed
equitably among its citizens. The ultimate goal is to foster improved human well-being and long-term environmental sustainability by integrating economic activities with ecological responsibility,” he said.
Shikwambi added that Namport plays a pivotal role in the operationalisation of the Blue Economy.
“The visiting REPOA delegation was briefed on
Namport’s multifaceted strategy which includes: sustainable port operations , Implementing green port initiatives to minimize environmental impact, including robust waste management systems and pollution control measures,” he said.
COMMENTS