Companies get ready for ‘Coastodian’ accreditation

COMPANIES that have interests at the coast should prepare themselves for the implementation of the ‘Corporate Coastodian’ accreditation plan, which could have far-reaching benefits for their business.

The Coastodian brand was introduced last year as part of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s coastal awareness campaign, spearheaded by the Namibian Coastal Conservation and Management Project (Nacoma).The name ‘coastodian’ combines ‘custodian’ and ‘coast’ – implying stewardship over the coast.The brand provides people with a visual identity when it comes to awareness and conservation of the Namibian coast. ‘Coastodianship’ will become even more significant when the entire coast is proclaimed a national park – one of the biggest in the world, and the only one to include a country’s entire coastline.Local and foreign companies operating at the coast, or that have a keen interest in the coast’s conservation and sustainable development, will soon have an opportunity to become Corporate Coastodians, thus enjoying positive spin-offs for their business. It is believed that the accreditation plan could be implemented by mid-2009.This accreditation will be a tangible symbol of Government recognition of individuals, institutions and businesses that make efforts towards sustainable management and conservation of the coast. ‘These partners may become government-recognised Corporate Coastodians – with some value attached through an accreditation scheme,’ says Nacoma co-ordinator Timo Mufeti.According to Nacoma’s communications consultant, Gys Reitz, the criteria for accreditation would be in line with the new Environmental Act.’Companies wanting accreditation would have to apply for it, and then their compliance with the criteria will be evaluated,’ he said. ‘Once accreditation is awarded, the company would enjoy a number of incentives.’Besides a flag and certificate indicating their Corporate Coastodianship, companies will also be able to market themselves as such.’Tourists and other consumers would rather go the environmentally friendly way, and do business with those companies that are environmentally responsible,’ Reitz said. ‘This will be profitable for Corporate Custodians.It is expected that the tourism, mining and fishing sectors will compete for the accreditation, although Reitz said there is no limit to the type of business or sector that may become Corporate Coastodians.There will also be the opposite effect for those companies neglecting their responsibilities.’They would have set a standard for themselves, and if they neglect that, they may lose their accreditation, and therefore shoot themselves in the foot,’ Reitz said.- adam@namibian.com.na