Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) has welcomed the decisions adopted at the recently held 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (Amcen) seeking to bolster African countries’ positions on the global environmental stage.
NNF’s executive director, Angus Middleton, told The Namibian last week the organisation has joined Amcen’s call for all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, to build a sustainable Africa.
He said with Namibia’s high-level governance on terrestrial sustainability, NNF believes stronger ocean governance is essential as a leading maritime nation.
During the session’s ministerial segment, African environment ministers adopted decisions on ocean governance, chemical and waste management, climate change, biodiversity, a draft protocol on drought, and Africa’s participation at international environmental conferences related to wetlands, endangered species, and mercury.
Middleton said with one of the largest exclusive economic zones in Africa, Namibia must urgently finalise its sustainable blue economy policy, complete marine spatial planning, and expand and strengthen the management of marine protected areas.
“These steps are critical for safeguarding marine biodiversity, supporting climate resilience and ensuring that our ocean resources benefit current and future generations.
“At the same time, we must work towards a more inclusive and sustainable fisheries sector that supports livelihoods, promotes equity and protects the integrity of our marine ecosystems,” he said.
