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 Regionssurveys be conducted and mineral prospecting promoted in the Lüderitz, Karasburg and Oranjemundconstituencies. Lüderitz is a prime area for aquaculture development in Namibia and the RDP suggeststhat the region should promote private sector investment to exploit the mariculture potential of itscoastal areas. The coastal mining area between Lüderitz and Oranjemund offers suitable sites andinfrastructure for aquaculture. NAMDEB has entered in negotiations with interested companies toestablish aquaculture operations near the Orange River Mouth outside of the mining security area and inthe coastal ponds created during the mining process 87 . In addition, a number of activities to facilitateindustrial development in the region are suggested in the RDP that need investigation such as smallscale fish factories and processing and packaging of guano in Lüderitz. Other developments in Lüderitzinclude a new Waterfront with a station able to accommodate the Desert Express. The Karas region’slocation, level of infrastructure and scenery make it highly suitable for tourism development.4.2.5. The role of RDPs in biodiversity conservationThe RDPs for the four coastal regions present at most a broad and generalised overview of the regions,but the description of the natural resources in the region (including in protected areas under METadministration) is insufficient to back up the outlining of the programmes. This gap reflects the RegionalCouncils’ poor interaction with, and understanding of the coastal areas within their regions and indicatesthe need to assess and enhance the local bodies’ understanding of the natural resources existent in theirregions. Furthermore, the RDPs lack specificity in the strategies and programmes presented. Theenvironmental programme, for instance, is very similar among the four regions (see Table 5) and sogeneral that it can scarcely be useful. This may be the result of insufficient involvement of RegionalCouncils and local government bodies in the preparation of the RDPs. The consultant-led process toprepare the RDPs did not involve local players beyond gathering information through interviews.Furthermore, this process did not seize the opportunity to build regional capacities to engage in similarplanning exercises in the future. Furthermore, there was not significant input from MET into the processof preparing the RDPs and there is sometimes conflict between the vision stated in the RDPs and theobjectives of MET 88 . Nevertheless, the RDPs make important references to regional environmentalmanagement and biodiversity conservation that can provide indications to the needs and activities thatcan be supported by NACOMA in each region.Table 5 shows some activities and strategies that are presented in various chapters of the RDPs –environment, fisheries and marine resources, tourism, wildlife and mining – and an analysis of howthese activities can be supported by NACOMA.87 Enviro-Fish Africa, 2003. Namibian Mariculture Sub-Sector Scan. Walvis Bay Spatial Development Initiative.March 2003.88 Beytell B. Personal communication, Windhoek, 13 October 2004.34