N$3.7 million study to monitor lagoon's health and biodiversity
Namport, Unam collaborate to safeguard fragile marine environment
The data collected at the Walvis Bay Lagoon will inform conservation strategies, contribute to international research on coastal ecosystems and support Namibia's obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) and the University of Namibia (Unam) have signed a three-year memorandum of agreement (MoA) to undertake a comprehensive study of the ecosystem health and biodiversity of the Walvis Bay Lagoon, at a cost of N$3.7 million.
Namport CEO Andrew Kanime explained that this is an extension of the agreements already in place between the two entities.
“Namport and Unam initially entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2016 to monitor the ecosystem health and biodiversity of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Over the past years, this partnership has provided critical insights into the ecological trends of this coastal environment, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and sustainable management practices.”
He explained that as complex interactions between natural processes and human activities continue to evolve, ongoing monitoring and research become an absolute necessity.
“The signing of the agreement today allows us to extend our collaboration for an additional three years, at a total cost to Namport of N$3.7 million, covering the period from 2025 to 2027. The extension further reaffirms our shared responsibility and commitment to the preservation of Namibia’s ecosystems, environmental stewardship and sustainability through the promotion of scientific research.”
Balancing progress and protections
Kanime added that the Walvis Bay Lagoon is not just a body of water – it is a habitat for numerous species, including migratory birds, and is therefore a vital ecosystem that supports a diverse range of marine life.
It is also a Ramsar site, recognised internationally for its ecological importance.
“Given that our operations at Namport are closely linked to the lagoon, it is imperative that we understand and mitigate any potential impact our activities may have on this precious ecosystem. We have an obligation to balance economic progress with environmental sustainability by ensuring that our port operations coexist harmoniously with the natural environment,” Kanime said.
Over the next three years, the two entities will work together, with Unam bringing scientific expertise and research capabilities to the project.
“The scientific study spearheaded by Unam will provide the data and insights needed to make informed decisions, ensuring that the lagoon remains a thriving habitat for all its inhabitants – from the smallest plankton to the largest waterbirds – while also supporting the region's development,” Kanime explained.
“The partnership will not only help us meet international compliance obligations arising from the lagoon’s Ramsar status, but it will also enable us to fulfil our commitments to environmental stewardship, scientific excellence, public health and safety and sustainable development," he added.
Safeguarding invaluable ecocsystems
Kenneth Matengu, Unam’s vice-chancellor, explained that through this agreement, they reaffirm their collective commitment to safeguarding this fragile and invaluable marine environment.
“With this partnership, we are taking a proactive step to ensure that conservation efforts are guided by data, informed by research and driven by science. The University of Namibia, through its Sam Nujoma Campus, will play a pivotal role in implementing the monitoring programme, conducting field studies, and analysing critical environmental parameters," he said.
Namport CEO Andrew Kanime explained that this is an extension of the agreements already in place between the two entities.
“Namport and Unam initially entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2016 to monitor the ecosystem health and biodiversity of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Over the past years, this partnership has provided critical insights into the ecological trends of this coastal environment, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and sustainable management practices.”
He explained that as complex interactions between natural processes and human activities continue to evolve, ongoing monitoring and research become an absolute necessity.
“The signing of the agreement today allows us to extend our collaboration for an additional three years, at a total cost to Namport of N$3.7 million, covering the period from 2025 to 2027. The extension further reaffirms our shared responsibility and commitment to the preservation of Namibia’s ecosystems, environmental stewardship and sustainability through the promotion of scientific research.”
Balancing progress and protections
Kanime added that the Walvis Bay Lagoon is not just a body of water – it is a habitat for numerous species, including migratory birds, and is therefore a vital ecosystem that supports a diverse range of marine life.
It is also a Ramsar site, recognised internationally for its ecological importance.
“Given that our operations at Namport are closely linked to the lagoon, it is imperative that we understand and mitigate any potential impact our activities may have on this precious ecosystem. We have an obligation to balance economic progress with environmental sustainability by ensuring that our port operations coexist harmoniously with the natural environment,” Kanime said.
Over the next three years, the two entities will work together, with Unam bringing scientific expertise and research capabilities to the project.
“The scientific study spearheaded by Unam will provide the data and insights needed to make informed decisions, ensuring that the lagoon remains a thriving habitat for all its inhabitants – from the smallest plankton to the largest waterbirds – while also supporting the region's development,” Kanime explained.
“The partnership will not only help us meet international compliance obligations arising from the lagoon’s Ramsar status, but it will also enable us to fulfil our commitments to environmental stewardship, scientific excellence, public health and safety and sustainable development," he added.
Safeguarding invaluable ecocsystems
Kenneth Matengu, Unam’s vice-chancellor, explained that through this agreement, they reaffirm their collective commitment to safeguarding this fragile and invaluable marine environment.
“With this partnership, we are taking a proactive step to ensure that conservation efforts are guided by data, informed by research and driven by science. The University of Namibia, through its Sam Nujoma Campus, will play a pivotal role in implementing the monitoring programme, conducting field studies, and analysing critical environmental parameters," he said.
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