Full report LR.pdf - DLIST Benguela

NACOMA Project - Preparation phaseRapid Assessment of the Development Plans, Biodiversity Conservation Projects and Socio-Economic Situation of the Namib Coastal Regions4. DEVELOPMENT PLANNING4.1. National planning frameworkIn the Namibian context planning typically takes place in a highly centralised environment, a situationthat is gradually changing with the ongoing decentralisation process. Namibia’s Vision 2030 79 isdesigned as a broad, unifying vision that can serve to guide the country’s five-year development plansand, at the same time, provide direction to government ministries, the private sector, NGOs, civilsociety, and regional and local government authorities. The aim of Vision 2030 is to transform Namibiafrom a developing, lower-middle income to a developed, high-income country by the year 2030. Themain body dealing with planning at national level is the National Planning Commission. TheCommission coordinates and directs national planning, whereas the line ministries are responsible forplanning in their respective sectors. The Second National Development Plan (NDP2) 80 presentspolicies that are geared to achieve the medium-term objectives of this vision.4.2. Regional development planningSpatial planning at regional level is under the auspices of the Ministry of Regional and LocalGovernment and Housing (MRLGH). The National Planning Commission, comprising Ministers ofvarious government departments including the MRLGH but not the MET 81 , is responsible for thedevelopment of Regional Development Plans (RDP) for each region. The RDPs outline each of theregions’ development potentials and weaknesses. Comprising a programme for action for the economic,social, and institutional structures in each region, the RDPs are also intended to guide decision andpolicy makers and assist officials at the national, regional and private level. RDPs have been preparedfor all four coastal regions for the period 2001/2002 to 2005/2006. They provide an overview of theregion with a situational analysis and directions for future developments; the development planframework for the different sectors; and a programme summary with specific objectives, activities andprojects.4.2.1. Kunene RegionThe Regional Development Plan for the Kunene Region 82 identifies ecotourism, combined withCBNRM as the region’s major growth sector. Ecotourism can take advantage of the region’s scenery,cultural heritage and wildlife and has the potential to reduce rural poverty in many parts of the region.Erongo Region. While tourism has been identified as a key development sector for the Kunene Region,further promotion of tourism depends on the provision or upgrading of the necessary infrastructure. Arange of tourism facilities exists in the region, from community campsites to exclusive fly-in lodges,and ten more conservancies are currently being established. The RDP for the Kunene Region proposes aset of programmes to boost tourism in the region that include the creation of tourism information offices79 Government of the Republic of Namibia, 2004. Namibia Vision 2030. Policy framework for long-term nationaldevelopment: main report, pp l-248.80 Government of the Republic of Namibia, undated b. Second National Development Plan (NDP2) 2001/2002 – 2005-2006. Windhoek, National Planning Commission.81 The National Planning Commission Act allows for the appointment by the President of an additional eight personsincluding one with knowledge of ecological matters, so this could conceivably be someone from MET (see Report on“Review of Policy and Legislation Pertaining to Coastal Zone Management” for more information).82 Regional Council of Kunene, undated. Regional Development Plan 2001/2002 – 2005/2006, Kunene Region. Opuwo:Namibian Development Consultants, pp 1-147.32