Namibia hosts Ocean Panel in Africa

Namibia this week hosted a three-day High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) in Walvis Bay this week.The Ocean Panel, established in 2018, consists of 19 world leaders committed to sustainably managing 100% of the ocean area under national jurisdiction.Hosting the event was a first for Namibia and the first to be held in Africa.The gathering, which concludes today, unites representatives (Sherpas) from 19 Ocean Panel member countries, collectively representing 50% of global coastlines, to advance the mission of sustainably managing 100% of the ocean areas under national jurisdiction, a statement issued by the panel noted. “Discussions will address critical challenges like climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing. while shaping the strategic priorities leading up to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France.”Transformative approachSpeaking at the event, Namibia&#039;s fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen emphasised that ocean governance is not the responsibility of a single nation but requires regional and global cooperation.He added that adopting a bold and transformative approach to managing oceans requires collaboration to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, pollution and marine biodiversity loss."Namibia stands ready to work with our neighbours and international partners to foster a robust framework for shared partnership," the minister stressed.Klazen noted that unlocking the full potential of the blue economy requires, among other things, "investing in renewable marine energy and sustainable aquaculture and marine biotechnology while ensuring these activities remain environmentally responsible."He also warned that the effects of climate change on the oceans are undeniable."We must integrate adaptive strategies such as ecosystem-based management and community-driven initiatives to ensure the resilience of our ocean systems and the people who depend on them".Vital interactions The Sherpa meetings are an important platform for advancing sustainable ocean management practices, policies, and initiatives, with Namibia set to benefit significantly from these interactions.This meeting comes at a crucial time when the ocean faces a triple planetary crisis of climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing.The Ocean Panel is co-chaired by Norway and Palau and includes members from Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Portugal, Seychelles, the United Kingdom, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.The Ocean Panel is a unique global initiative by serving world leaders that is working to build momentum towards a sustainable ocean economy in which effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go hand in hand.

Namibia hosts Ocean Panel in Africa

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Namibia hosts Ocean Panel in Africa

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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