Strengthening Namibia’s Seas: Rod Braby on Marine Protection and Community Livelihoods
Rod Braby, Senior Technical Advisor to the Namibia Nature Foundation, explains how the Blue Action Fund-supported NIMPA+ project is helping Namibia strengthen management of its only marine protected area, the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area. He outlines efforts to update regulations, establish NAMCOB to monitor seabirds and marine life, and support coastal communities in Lüderitz through new livelihood opportunities. With African penguins, Cape gannets, cormorants, dolphins, whales and seals all under pressure, effective monitoring and management are urgent. Rod stresses that building partnerships with government, NGOs, and international experts is essential to reversing declines, meeting Namibia’s ambition of protecting 10% of its ocean, and contributing to the global 30×30 target. This interview captures the vision of using NIMPA as a model for future marine conservation across Namibia.