Fisheries indaba charts new course

Namibia's fisheries ministry will host its inaugural National Fisheries Indaba from 3 to 5 September in Walvis Bay.

Executive director at the fisheries ministry Teofilus Nghitila said the event aims to develop a unified national vision focused on strengthening governance, improving competitiveness, promoting sustainable resource management and increasing value addition and investment in the fisheries sector.

The indaba will be held under the theme 'Shaping the Future of Namibia’s Fisheries Towards a Transparent, Inclusive, Sustainable and Globally Competitive Blue Economy for the Benefit of All Namibians'. “The indaba will provide a thorough review of Namibia’s fisheries sector since independence," Nghitila said, adding that the process is intended to guide the future development of the sector.

In preparation for the indaba, six technical working groups comprising specialists from various sectors have undertaken diagnostic assessments, stakeholder consultations and policy analyses covering critical areas of the fisheries sector. The findings and recommendations of the working groups will form the foundation for discussions during the indaba. The outcomes are expected to guide future policy, legislative, institutional and investment reforms.

Shaping the future - The ministry described the gathering as “a deliberate intervention to foster a national dialogue on the future of one of Namibia’s most valuable resources".

Nghitila said the event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to help build a fisheries sector that is transparent, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and globally competitive. At the same time, the ministry said the country must ensure that the benefits derived from Namibia’s marine and inland fisheries are maximised for all Namibians.

“Public participation is essential to collectively shaping the future of Namibia’s fisheries through evidence-based dialogue, collaboration, and partnership,” Nghitila said. An exhibition component will showcase developments and innovations in fisheries, aquaculture and the broader blue economy. Information regarding registration, the programme and opportunities for stakeholder engagement is expected to be communicated through the ministry’s official communication channels.