IPPR
Diving into the Blue Economy

Namibia’s coastal regions are well known for their natural beauty as well as their abundant natural resources, particularly fish and other marine life, diamonds and uranium deposits. These precious resources are in need of careful and sustainable management to ensure they achieve and maintain the 3 pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. 

“The ocean sustains humanity -humanity treats it with contempt” – expressed Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) research associate, Dietrich Remmert, at the launch event of the “Towards a Blue Economy” coastal research publication. The launch took place on on Tuesday 12thFebruary at the House of Democracy, Windhoek West and the research was carried out by the IPPR with support from with the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF).  

The discussion commenced with welcome remarks by Graham Hopwood (the Executive Director of IPPR) and was spearheaded by Remmert who introduced the research publication to the audience. Remmert provided a broad definition of the meaning of a Blue Economy which he defined as an approach to harnessing economic value from the ocean in a sustainable manner.  “The value of the Ocean is not correctly calculated’’ proclaimed Remmert as he highlighted measures to protect the ocean whilst enhancing economic growth. It is crucial that policy on the blue economy is developed in a consultative manner, Mr Remmert emphasised. 

IPPR is of suggests that any improvements in Namibia’s ocean economy with regard to logistics and transport, other industries such as manufacturing business located at the coast will surely benefit in terms of better access to markets as well as raw materials required for manufactured goods. 

Climate change has the potential to have a huge impact on the blue economy. “Blue is the new green” said Dr Clemens von Doderer (Head of Country Office at the HFS) as he concluded the event , in addition to highlighting the importance of utilizing the ocean sustainably.