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 RegionsBiodiversityhotspotNationalWest CoastTouristRecreationAreaWalvis BayWetlandCape CrossSeal ReserveThreats• Expected growth in thefishing industries andaquaculture• Offshore mining and oildrilling• Uncontrolled growth oftourism• Heavy human and industrialactivity, with industriesexpanding• Extensive land reclamationfor the salt works• Excessive water exploitationfor consumption• Fish oil, fish processingwastes and ship-bornepollution from the harbour• Tourism activities such asoff-road driving, motorisedand non-motorised vessels,and flying• No major threats; potentialshipping accidents anddumping of oil; possibledisturbance by touristsApproaches to address threats and root causes and potential interventions• This area has a lower protection status than a national park, which means that control of economic activities isless strict and has resulted in negative impacts. Due to its importance in terms of biodiversity conservation,MET has initiated a process to develop a new management plan and proclaim it a national park, which willresult in a new zoning of the area and stricter regulations for development and conservation. NACOMA cansupport a participatory process to prepare this management plan in the frameworks of biodiversity conservationand regional development.• It is equally important to ensure adequate tourism, aquaculture, fishing and mining policies that help reconcilebiodiversity conservation and development.• The main root cause for the threats to the Walvis Bay Wetland is the lack of legal protection and effectivezoning of this important Ramsar Site. NACOMA can initiate and support the process to ensure the effectivemanagement and legal protection of this important biodiversity hotspot.• Responsibilities for coastal zone management should be clarified to ensure better coordination both between thedifferent local planners and between the regional and national levels. NACOMA can support a participatoryprocess to finalise the management plan that is currently under preparation• It is equally important to ensure adequate tourism, aquaculture, fishing and mining policies that help reconcilebiodiversity conservation and development. Furthermore, coastal planning should be inclusive to ensure thatmore opportunities are given to local communities such as the Topnaars.• NACOMA during the policy making process can highlight Cape Cross as a site of special significance alongthe Namibian coast and needing restoration of the viewing area.44