In partnership with the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), we officially launched the NIMPA Blue Table Discussions – a new and inclusive platform aimed at fostering ongoing dialogue on marine conservation and coastal livelihoods within the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA).
Held at the New Namibia Maritime Museum in Lüderitz, the launch event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including small-scale fishers, mariculture operators, tour and accommodation providers, maritime stakeholders, government representatives, and community leaders. This rich mix of perspectives highlights the platform’s central goal which is to create a space where everyone connected to the marine environment has a seat and voice at the table.
At its core, the NIMPA Blue Table Discussions are designed to serve as an open dialogue where local insights, concerns, and solutions can directly inform the ongoing management of the NIMPA. The discussions aim to connect bottom-up community engagement with top-down policy implementation, strengthening trust and collaboration in the stewardship of Namibia’s coastal and marine resources.
“…this is not just another stakeholder meeting,” said one participant. “It’s a space where we can be heard, where our lived experience matters, and that makes all the difference.”
Some of the key topics covered during the launch included; The impact of tourism on conservation in Lüderitz, including discussions around sensitive areas like Halifax Island; The role and significance of NIMPA in Namibia’s marine conservation strategy; NIMPA’s relevance within global conservation goals, particularly the 30×30 commitment and links to forums like MPAAF and METT4; and finally the Efforts to disseminate conservation knowledge through themed sessions, podcasts, and storytelling.
Participants also explored innovative community-driven conservation efforts such as the nest box initiative to support seabird breeding, and raised concerns about the impacts of climate change on coastal bird populations.
What stood out most was the energy and level of engagement from the local community. The event generated a flurry of ideas, from expanding awareness through digital storytelling to unlocking youth participation.
“The number of ideas presented and the community’s buy-in were truly inspiring,” reflected facilitator Neil Shaw. “It shows that people are not only interested in the future of our marine environment, they are ready to help shape it.”
The launch concluded with a set of exciting commitments, including; Hosting the next Blue Table session during World Ocean Day 2025; Establishing a junior platform for school learners and environmental clubs; and Ensuring the Blue Table evolves into a “living organism” a sustained, community-driven dialogue that benefits the wider Lüderitz area.
NAMCOB envisions the Blue Table as more than a series of meetings—it is a dynamic platform for co-creation, knowledge exchange, and mutual accountability. It will empower communities to contribute meaningfully to the protection of marine ecosystems while ensuring conservation policies are informed by real-world, on-the-ground experiences.
Want to be a part of the next session? Sign up here
