NIMPA+ Showcased at German–Namibian Government Talks in Lüderitz
Rob Barnes | November 12th, 2025 | News
11 November 2025, Lüderitz – The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) presented the NIMPA+ Project, funded by the Blue Action Fund, during the German–Namibian Government Negotiations in Lüderitz. The session highlighted Namibia’s growing leadership in marine conservation and the strong partnerships linking government, civil society and international donors.
The presentation opened with a short video from Sophie Thayne, Grant Manager at Blue Action, outlining the fund’s global work to protect coasts, oceans and livelihoods. Angus Middleton, NNF’s Executive Director, then spoke on the state of Namibia’s marine and coastal ecosystems, noting both the opportunities and challenges in aligning conservation with a sustainable blue economy.
Caroline Mutorwa, NIMPA+ Project Lead, gave an overview of the project’s aims to strengthen management of the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) and support coastal communities through blue economy initiatives.
Delegates later visited the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB), where Neil Shaw, Operations Manager, and Ukarapo Mungunda, Seabird Ranger Coordinator, described daily seabird protection work, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
At Helene Van Rhijn Primary School, learners unveiled their vibrant Ocean Literacy Mural created through the Waves of Change initiative. The head girl spoke movingly about her connection to the ocean, while members of the Benguela Infinite Harvesting Association, a group of small-scale fishers supported by NIMPA+, shared how they are developing sustainable fishing practices.
During a discussion, Klemens Riha (GIZ) asked what lessons from Namibia’s terrestrial conservancy model could be applied at sea. The response highlighted the value of community ownership, clear governance structures, and inter-ministerial coordination as key lessons for marine conservation.
The event concluded with a showcase by the Women in Business Group, who presented handmade beadwork and crafts developed through NIMPA+ training and small business support. Birgit Gerhardus, Head of Division for Southern Africa at BMZ, closed the session by praising the collaborative spirit of the NIMPA+ partnership and its contribution to sustainable ocean management and community development in Namibia.
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