A current status report for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) for Namibia was launched by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) at Swakopmund on Thursday.
The report, which is the first multi-sectoral document of its kind, provides mechanism for an integrated planning approach for maritime management. It also provides a framework and guidance on the use of the ocean by different stakeholders to maximise benefits and minimise conflict among ocean users.
MFMR Executive Director, Annely Haiphene, at the launch said that the report also establishes the knowledge baseline for planning in Namibian waters.
“It brings together evidence required for the development of maritime spatial planning. In essence, it provides the foundation for guiding future development at sea,” she noted.
MSP was made possible with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through its Maritime Spatial Management (MARISMA) and Governance Project in 2015.
Launching the report, fisheries minister, Derek Klazen, stated that the broad and growing range of increased human activities and interests in the ocean require careful and improved coordination and cooperation on the use of the ocean and the need to boost a sustainable blue economy.
“In this context, the government is prioritising an integrated approach to marine planning and management.It is for this reason that Namibia is introducing MSP, thereby opening up avenues aimed at achieving the priorities of the National Development Plan related to ocean solution for the benefit of people, nature and the economy,” Klazen noted.
The minister stated that the current status report is an important milestone in the Namibian MSP process, since it brings together multiple sectors and stakeholders to integrate their spatial claims and interests in order to generate the best sustainable ocean development pathway for the country.
MARISMA team leader, Elisabeth Mausolf, emphasised that although MARISMA is coming to an end in 2022, there is still work left, such as finalising Namibia’s MSP.
“I am sure we can achieve it so that a sustainable blue economic future is developed beyond MARISMA,” Mausolf said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
