Marine & Coastal Conservation

Collaborating with the marine sector and Ministry of Fisheries to advance marine conservation, elevate Namibia’s global reputation, and increase public connection with the ocean.

The Benguela Current Upwelling System off Namibia’s coast is renowned for its rich productivity, driven by strong winds and currents that bring nutrient-rich cold waters to the surface. This dynamic ecosystem sustains the entire southwest African coastline. The Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA), spanning 9,500 km2, hosts globally significant populations of seabirds, marine mammals, and diverse marine species. Despite being Africa’s second-largest marine protected area, NIMPA faces threats from overfishing, mining, large-scale mariculture, climate change, ineffective management, and a disconnect between society and marine values. Our primary objective is to enhance the management of NIMPA to protect vital biodiversity and marine ecosystem services, support income opportunities and livelihood diversification for coastal communities, and advocate for the creation of additional MPAs and effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) at the national level.

Key Partners

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Benguela Current Convention (BCC), Namibia’s Fishing industries, Fisheries Observer Agency, Blue Marine Foundation; The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB); South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI); Grid-Arendal, Community Skills Development Centre (COSDEC) Benguela; Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB); Ocean Conservation Namibia; Impact Tank Namibia and Eduventures Namibia.

Regions

!Karas region, Erongo region, Kunene region and Khomas region.

Objectives

Assist the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in strengthening the management of the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) to conserve critical biodiversity and marine ecosystem services.
Aid the government in designating additional Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to achieve 10% protection within the Namibian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Promote and support other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) at the national level.
Reduce seabird bycatch in Namibia’s fisheries and support the development and implementation of marine spatial planning to enhance overall marine conservation efforts.

2025 Highlights

Regional BBNJ Workshop on Scoping Pathways & Ambition for Protecting the Ocean Beyond National Jurisdictions, with a focus on the Walvis Ridge, South-East Atlantic Ocean conducted
The NNF, NAMCOB and government have developed and implemented SMART monitoring within the NIMPA digitalising monitoring for Africas 2^nd biggest Marine protected area
Finalised and launched the Ocean Literacy Toolkit for Namibia, its been rolled out by over 160 teachers country wide
NNF is rolling out business marathons and accelerator programmes for entrepreneurs in Lüderitz
Conservation impact: The first African Penguin (AP001) admitted to the Lüderitz rehabilitation facility, known as Apie, was successfully released after 412 days, marking a significant milestone for seabird conservation. Complementing this achievement, recent census data from the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB), indicate rising penguin populations on Halifax Island within the NIMPA, an encouraging sign for the long-term conservation of Namibia’s seabirds.
Livelihoods & innovation: The Coastal Community Incubator program supported 32 entrepreneurs and artisans in developing viable business models to diversify coastal economies in Lüderitz.
Public engagement: Marine awareness promoted through the Lüderitz Career Fair, World Oceans Day, and World Environment Day, reaching learners and communities with interactive activities. These awareness events have engaged over 200 people, supporting ocean stewardship and conservation.