By Maggie Forcelledo Paz – published in the September 2024 issue of the FlyNamibia magazine.

Namibia’s only marine protected area (MPA) is grappling with a multitude of threats, including overfishing, illegal fishing, climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, extractive activities and a general disconnect from the value of marine life. These challenges pose significant risks to the survival of marine species and the livelihoods of coastal communities. In response, the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), in collaboration with several partners and the government, has launched an innovative initiative aimed at strengthening the management and conservation of Namibia’s MPA and raising awareness about its value, particularly among the youth.

The Waves of Change mural project is an exciting and creative endeavour designed to engage coastal communities, especially young people, on the importance of marine conservation. This art project uses colourful murals painted around the coastal town of Lüderitz to share vital messages about marine life and pollution, showcasing the beauty of marine conservation and encouraging communities to take positive steps towards a healthier environment.

Depicting various marine species, the impacts of pollution and the importance of sustainable practices, the murals not only beautify the town of Lüderitz but also serve as
constant reminders of the community’s role in marine conservation.

Collaborative effort

The NNF has teamed up with organisations such as the Blue Marine Foundation, GRID- Arendal, South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI), Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB) and Community Skills Development Centres (COSDEC) Benguela. This coalition, in partnership with the government, is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing Namibia’s MPA. Their goal is to strengthen the management and conservation efforts of the MPA while also fostering a greater appreciation for its value among the general public. The initiative also aims to improve the livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting sustainable practices and enhancing their connection to the marine environment. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the MPA, the project encourages communities to engage in activities that support conservation efforts. “Next year, we look forward to collaborating with future partners, and the Lüderitz Town Council again, to engage with schools in Lüderitz, further promoting marine conservation awareness among coastal communities,” says Sunnypo Imalwa, communications support officer at the NNF.

Inspiring future generations

According to Imalwa, the NNF envisions the future of marine conservation efforts to be vibrant and sustainable, hoping to see enhanced community engagement, stronger collaborative networks, increased public awareness and education, policy influence and advocacy, sustainable economic models as well as continuous learning and innovation. She adds that they are actively working together with the government to include ocean literacy in the Namibian school curriculum. By involving young people in the creation and appreciation of these murals, the project hopes to cultivate a long-lasting respect and care for the marine environment. In conjunction with the mural project, educational programmes and workshops provide young participants with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for marine conservation. Download a PDF of article below article