Renthia Kaimbi
The Namibia Nature Foundation will host the Ocean in Focus Symposium in Swakopmund on 18–19 February.
The event will take place at the Plaza Hotel and will bring together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, artisanal fishers and young people to discuss Namibia’s relationship with the ocean.
In a press release issued last week, the foundation said the country’s marine environment plays a central role in food security, the economy and cultural identity.
“Namibia’s coast is more than a long stretch of shoreline,” said Disney Andreas, senior communications officer at NNF.
“It underpins food security, economic opportunity, cultural heritage, social identity, and national pride.”
Organisers say growing pressure from climate change, coastal development and the expansion of the blue economy requires stronger coordination.
The symposium will provide a space for marine science to guide decision-making. It will review what is known about Namibia’s ocean systems, identify knowledge gaps and explain why those gaps matter.
“At its heart, the Ocean in Focus Symposium is about people. It is about ensuring that decisions affecting the ocean are informed by good science,” the statement read.
The programme will cover issues such as seabird populations, marine mammals and fisheries management. It will also focus on how marine conservation links to coastal livelihoods and how sustainable practices can support economic stability.
Young people from coastal communities will participate through exhibitions. Organisers say this reflects a focus on preparing youth to take responsibility for the future of the ocean.
The symposium forms part of the NNF’s NIMPA+ Project, which supports the management of Namibia’s existing and future Marine Protected Areas.
The project aims to protect marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable use of ocean resources to support coastal communities. It works with government ministries, research institutions and local fishing communities.
The discussion will also examine how Namibia can grow its blue economy without overexploiting resources, how scientific gaps affect climate adaptation, and how small-scale fishermen are included in policy decisions.
“As pressures on our coast grow, from climate change to various economic developments, conversations like these are no longer optional. They are essential,” the NNF said.
