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The 9,500 km2 Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) is an iconic area of outstanding marine biodiversity, supporting globally significant populations of seabirds and marine mammals, and important marine industries. Despite being Africa’s second largest marine protected area (MPA), it is threatened by overfishing, mining, pollution, untested phosphate extraction, and live marine mammal harvesting. Since its gazettement in 2009, insufficient government resourcing and an inadequate management framework have meant that it has failed to protect many of its key values. 


This project directly addresses these gaps; NNF and partners will support the government to develop and implement a new management framework for the MPA, including a new management plan, zoning and regulations and financing plan. Supported by targeted capacity development and an enhanced evidence base, the updated management system will effectively guide decision-making, set thresholds for concerns, control the key threats to marine biodiversity and ecological processes, and better accommodate sustainable resource use by communities. Threat reduction will, in turn, contribute to the recovery and long-term resilience of marine ecosystems and the exploited fish stocks and important non-commercial species dependent on them. Those livelihoods and economic sectors based on marine resources, such as small-scale fisheries and coastal tourism will be sustained, delivering local employment and other economic benefits. New coastal livelihood opportunities compatible with MPA management will be explored and developed in partnership with local communities. A new non-profit organisation was recently established to support the government. The Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB) will aid in NIMPA’s long-term management and monitoring (especially of important seabird populations), while also playing important roles in engaging the community in marine conservation and supporting coastal tourism.

Status: Completed

Type: Marine

Programme: Marine Environment

Tags: Namibia protected areas marine Africa

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GRID-Arendal's activities support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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GRID-Arendal's activities are nearly always a cooperative undertaking made possible through collaboration with partners and donors.

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