Die Kaapse kormorant is een van die voëlspesies wat op Namcob se prioriteitslys is. Foto Yathin S Krishnappa
Die Kaapse kormorant is een van die voëlspesies wat op Namcob se prioriteitslys is. Foto Yathin S Krishnappa

Foundation for conservation of seabirds launched

Iréne-Mari van der Walt
The Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (Namcob) hopes to be operational by the end of the year. The non-profit organisation will join forces with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) to conserve seabirds in Namibia.

"Seabird conservation requires in-depth knowledge of the local habitats, specific threats and unique challenges faced in each region. A local body has the advantage of being more familiar with the local seabirds, their behaviour and the factors which affects them," Namcob spokesperson Sunnypo Imalwa said.

He believes that a tailored approach to conservation is needed.

"Seabird conservation techniques cannot be applied universally across all regions due to changing geographical and ecological conditions. A Namibian body, such as Namcob, can design conservation programmes appropriate to the specific needs of its seabird populations, taking into account factors such as nest sites, feeding areas, migration patterns and interactions with human activities.

"Namcob has a better understanding of the local budget constraints, available resources and priority areas for conservation. This will lead to more efficient and localised use of funds, ensuring the maximum impact of conservation efforts," he added.

According to Imalwa, overfishing, climate change and pollution are the biggest threats to the well-being of seabirds in Namibia. Two types of cormorants as well as the African penguin and gannets are at the top of Namcob's priorities.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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