Land Space:
825,418 sq km
Coastline:
1,572 km
(Source: CIA World Factbook 2000)
- - Country brief
- Climate
- Future economic activities
- Pollution issues in the coastal zone of the Erongo Region
- Delimitation of the coastal zone
- Planning concerns
- Erongo Regional Council
- ICZM Project in Erongo
ICZM Project
Erongo Regional Council
P.O.Box 1230
Swakopmund, Namibia
Tel: +264 (064) 405420
Fax: +264 (064) 405418
E-mail: iczmerc@iafrica.com.na
Directorate of Environmental
Affairs
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Private Bag 13306
Windhoek
Namibia
Street address:
Capital Centre, Levinson Arcade, Independence Avenue, Windhoek.
Tel: 061-249015 (Internationally: +264-61-249015)
Fax: 061-240339 (Internationally: +264-61-240339)
E-mail: contact@dea.met.gov.na
(Source: CIA World Factbook 2000)
The Republic of Namibia is situated on the Southwest coast of Africa between latitudes 17,5 and 29 South bordering the Republic of South Africa to the south, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the east and the Republic of Angola and Zambia to the north. Namibia borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west with a coastline of 1500 km. The country has an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles.
Namibia has a land area of 824.000 km and a population of around 1.6 million people rendering it one of the least populated countries in the world with an average density of around 1.7 people/km. Due to the limited carrying capacity in large part of the country the population is unevenly distributed with the highest density above 100/km2 found in the north where almost half of the population is concentrated in four provinces covering only 15% of the county area. The annual population growth for the county as a whole is expected to exceed 3% during the next decade.
Namibia has a narrow coastal plain from which the land rises to altitudes of more than 2000 m then gradually sloping down towards the east to form an extensive interior basin at altitudes between 1000 and 1500 m above sea level. Around 16 % of the land is desert with the Namib Desert stretching along the entire coastline and extensions of the dry Kalahari and Karoo regions of Botswana and South Africa in the east, 64% is savannah in the semi-arid mountainous plateau in the central part of the country and 20% dry woodland in the Northeast including the fairly high rainfall areas of Kavango and the Caprivi Strip.
The country is arid with a hyper-arid zone along the coast. Rainfall is highest in the Northeast parts of the country decreasing towards the south and east ranging between 700 mm and below 50 mm per year. The variability of rainfall increases with decreasing rainfall amounts.
Namibia only has perennial rivers along its northern and southern borders,
all originating in neighbouring countries where higher rainfalls support
their year-round flow and with little contribution from Namibian watersheds.
All rivers starting in Namibia are ephemeral flowing only after strong
rains in their catchments.
The continental shelf along the coast of Namibia covers 110.000 km
to the 200 m depth line and 230.000 km to the 1.000 m depth line after
which the bottom slopes steeply to several thousand metres in depth. The
1.000 m depth line is found inside the EEZ within a range of 50 to 250
km from the shore. The sea along the coast is highly productive due to
wind induced upwelling of nutrient rich waters carried by the Benguela
current flowing northwards along the coast.
Namibia is rich in mineral resources including diamonds, uranium and precious and base metals. The mining industry remains the backbone of the economy contributing between 15 and 20% to the Gross Domestic Product.
Agriculture is the second most important economic sector contributing
above 8% to GDP and providing more than 15% of export earnings in recent
years. The sector is the most important source of employment and livelihood
for the population with an estimated 70% dependent to a greater or lesser
extent on subsistence farming in communal areas. Farming is extensive due
to the unfavourable climatic conditions and output from livestock production
accounts for more than 90% of agricultural GDP.
The fishing grounds within the Namibian EEZ are amongst the most productive
in the world and over 20 commercial species are landed. The landings have
risen rapidly from 1990 to 1993 but stocks have gone down in past years,
mainly due to adverse physical and oceanographic conditions and quotas
have been decreased for a number of species.
The country is divided into 13 administrative regions of which four
are bordering the Atlantic Coast. The main areas of economic growth are
Windhoek - capital of Namibia-, the conglomerate of Oshakati/Ongwediwa/Odangwa
in the north and Walvis Bay. The four regions with coastal areas bordering
the Atlantic Ocean are: Kunene in the north bordering Angola, Erongo and
Hardap in the centre and Karas in the south bordering South Africa.
Politically, Namibia was a C-mandate of the Republic of South Africa
until 1990, when it became an independent republic. The Walvis Bay enclave
was finally handed over by the Republic of South Africa to Namibia in 1994.
Prior to independence education within the disadvantaged population group
was inefficient, and very few completed basic education. In addition to
this lack of education, Namibia was expected to implement more or less
dictated policies from South Africa. This led to a strong emphasis on operational
administrative skills, while pro-active planning was discouraged. This
shortage in human resources was further aggravated by the departure of
a number of skilled staff, especially South Africans after Independence
in 1990. Namibians were not yet ready to take over their positions. After
1992 many unskilled and jobless people, mainly from the Northern regions
of Namibia, moved to Walvis Bay in the hope to find employment within the
fast growing fish industry. As a result Walvis Bay experienced a sharp
increase in the unemployment rate.
The Benguela current and the associated cold water upwelling system
has a profound effect on the climate along the coast, enhanced by winds
blowing from the sea. Air saturated with moisture create banks of fog in
the coastal zone for at least 160 days a year. The relative humidity on
these days is about 80 % and a precipitation of about 130 mm of fog during
a year here is more than eight times the average rainfall over most of
the Namib.
Due to the oceanic influence along the coast there are relatively small
fluctuations in temperature. This accounts for the daily as well as the
yearly fluctuation in temperature. However, only 20-40 km inland from the
coast the temperatures are far more extreme. In winter inland temperatures
can drop almost to freezing point whereas in summer time temperatures can
rise to more than 40 C.
The following known projects, having a direct effect on the economic climate of the Erongo region are envisaged:
- The Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication has completed a feasibility study for the upgrading of the road between the Swakop River Bridge, at Swakopmund, and Cape Cross. This road will be of special importance to the tourism industry as the road is mainly used for recreational purposes.
- The MWTC is presently conducting a feasibility study to erect a fishing harbour at Mowe Bay within the Skeleton Coast Park area. Should a harbour be established at Mowe Bay, heavy vehicle movement along the coastal road would increase, resulting in an increase in road maintenance and a possible increase in the number of accidents along the coastal road.
- A study into alternative fresh water resources for the Erongo Region has been undertaken, with the assistance from the KfW, by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development. A desalination plant will most likely be built at Paaltjies, south of Walvis Bay.
- Pending on the outcome of an EIA study, large scale mining for heavy metals may commence within the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
- Part of the long-term national road planning of the MWTC is the construction of a tar road from Windhoek to Walvis Bay via the Gamsberg road. This road would shorten the route between Namibia's major harbour, Walvis Bay and the capital city, Windhoek, linking up with the Trans Caprivi Highway presently under construction.
- According to a study undertaken by NAMPORT, with German funding, the Walvis Bay harbour can be extended in a northern direction as to increase the capacity of the harbour. The main channel of the harbour is to be deepened from 10 metres depth to 12.5 metres, mainly to permit larger cargo vessels to enter the harbour. NAMPORT is presently reorganising the harbour as to increase the handling capacity of the container terminal, while the future extension include the upgrading of the syncro-lift capacity, a new common user facility for the fish industry as well as a new common user oil berth.
- An Export Processing Zone (EPZ) has recently been established at Walvis Bay. Although this zone has not yet gained momentum, future industrial developments will have major economic and environmental impact on the Erongo Region.
- Offshore oil drilling concessions within the EEZ have been awarded to international oil companies. Although the present oil explorations take place well north of the coastline of the Erongo region, possible oil exploration may have a direct impact on the Walvis Bay harbour and the economic activities of the coast.
Pollution issues in the coastal zone of the Erongo Region
The pollution problems in the Erongo Region are associated with commercial and urban activities, especially in and around the Walvis Bay harbour area.
The fishing industry is a major polluter of the seawater in the Walvis Bay due to lack of discharge treatment measures. Effluent wash water is led directly into the sea in the vicinity of water intake for the fish processing plants. Minor oil spills, discharge of waste containing traces of anti-fouling paints, sewage from ships and heavy metals from the export of semi-processed mine ore also contribute to the pollution of the sea water in the harbour and bay area.
Air pollution mainly originates from sewage works and the fish meal factories at the Walvis Bay harbour area. However, production at the Rössing Uranium Mine near Arandis is also a potential source of air pollution.
The waste dumpsite at Walvis Bay may pollute the ground water as the water table at the site coincides with the lower level of the dump. Underground pollution may also occur from the Rössing Uranium Mine. However, the mine has developed an extensive programme for wastewater recovery. Moreover, monitoring operations in the vicinity of the mine seems to secure that potentials impacts on the surrounding nature is minimal.
Lack of environmental awareness among some local residents and holiday
visitors cause littering of the beaches and the desert, i.e. plastic bags,
paper, cans, bottles and fishing lines.
Solid waste, sewage and minor amounts of oil products produced at the
ships are occasionally dumped into the sea resulting in wastes being washed
ashore on the beaches between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund and in the Port
of Walvis Bay.
Delimitation of the coastal zone
The definition of the coastal zone differs from country to country. Consensus should be reached amongst stakeholders on the spatial definition of the coastal zone. During the project design mission several stake-holders have addressed this issue and the general feeling, is that the landward boundary of the coastal zone of the Erongo Region can be defined as:
The area within the magisterial districts of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay that include the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area, a portion of the Namib Naukluft Park where the Kuiseb river is taken as the southern boundary, the former Walvis Bay enclave as well as the municipal area of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay and Arandis. The seaward boundary could be defined as the three nautical mile inner territorial waters of Namibia.
In addition to the planned projects and programmes, other priority areas of a cross-sectoral nature that still need to be developed include:
- regional land-use and environmental planning
- programmes on important and threatened habitats e.g. wetlands, deserts etc.
- further public awareness and information campaigns
- use of market incentives to encourage wise resource use by private sector and individuals
- further expansion of Namibian capacity for environmental management at all levels
- long-term planning of economic and infrastructure development, based on assessments of renewable resource demand and supply
- Undertake the necessary research and develop strategies for aligning itself with international conservation programs administered by the United Nations.
- Provide the necessary conservation measures, including legislation, to protect the various sensitive ecosystems (biodiversity) by declaring a network of parks.
- Compile and promote environmental education programs amongst the public of Namibia, especially at schools, colleges and the university.
- Ensure sustainable utilisation of natural resources by conducting appropriate scientific research and determining appropriate carrying capacities for the various ecosystems.
- Ensure an appropriate land use policy; for example agriculture versus eco-tourism (wildlife management) by declaring protected areas to be used solely for eco-tourism on a sustained yield basis.
- Ensure the sustainable use of Namibia's water resources by conducting the required research and developing a national integrated water conservation strategy for Namibia.
- Incorporate Walvis Bay and environs into Namibia's strategic national environmental conservation plans.
- In addition to the proposed projects and programmes, other priority areas of cross-sectoral nature that still needs to be addressed include on the physical planning side:
- Preparing integrated regional plans, both urban structure plans and development plans for the rural areas (see Annex 7);
- Respecting the national land policy to reduce socio-economic imbalances in the country;
- Defining objectives, conducts and implementation strategies for planning
- Researching integrated and recurrent planning and implementation methodologies;
- Combining physical plans and proactive protection of the environment providing sustainability of land development;
- Researching area- and process oriented EIAs as components of urban planning (see Annex 7);
- Integrating socio-economic, institutional and physical infrastructure aspects in land use planning;
- Integrating urban and rural development in support of each other;
- Promoting sound urbanisation programmes in particular for expansion and up-grading of mid and low income housing areas:
- Ensuring community participation in order to improve the efficiency of implementation and maintenance;
- Promoting security of tenure.
The 13 Regional Councils in Namibia are part of the Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing which is directly responsible for the planning and administration of the 33 towns and villages in Namibia.
The Regional Councils are governed by the Regional Councils Act of 1992, the Townships and Division of Lands Ordinance of 1963, and the Town Planning Ordinance of 1954, all of which provide the legislative base for the Regional Councils.
Out of all tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the Regional Council Act (no 22 of 1992) four particular tasks are currently in reality transferred to the Regional Council:
- to assist and consult the central government on proposed legislation and in its planning task;
- to play an initiating role in identifying settlement areas as embryos for the establishment of local authorities;
- to advise the President, or any minister, on any matter referred to it by the President and minister;
- to make recommendations to the Minister of Finance on matters related to regions.
In Erongo, six regional councillors have been elected in the following regional constituencies: Omaruru, Karibib, Brandberg, Arandis, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. They are responsible to their electorate, which makes it reasonable to expect that they would have a more intimate knowledge of the demands, needs and expectations of the electorate than central government staff in Windhoek.
The staff of the Erongo Regional Council includes regional officers, who is responsible for the administrative organisation of the regional councils office and controlling officers dealing with technical issues.
It is expected that the central government will further decentralise
some of its tasks to the Regional Councils.
The Coastal Zone Management Committee will be convened under the Regional
Council.
The Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project for the Erongo Region was started in October 1997 with the objective of establishing a management system for sustainable development of the coastal zone of the Region. The Erongo Regional Council and the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment & Tourism are the main stakeholders to the project which is funded by the Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development (Danced).
The project activities include:
- the publication of a coastal zone profile which will include the start-up of database facilities and GIS mapping;
- improvement of the institutional structures which deal with CZM in the Erongo Region;
- a review of policy and legislation related to CZM;
- enhancement of enforcement system;
- evaluation of existing waste disposal systems;
- improve public awareness related to sustainable use of resources in Erongo Region;
- training of stake-holders in areas connected to CZM;
- review the possibilities for sustainable financing; and,
- proposals for future action plans leading to a CZMP for the Erongo Region.
Coastal management profile prepared by Bernice
Lynee McLean, Center for the Study of Marine Policy, University of
Delaware
Integrated Coastal Management
Distance Learning and Information Sharing Tool (DLIST) website
Distance learning designed to promote integrated management and appropriate
development of Namibia's southern coastal areas:
Distance
Learning and Information Sharing Tool (DLIST)
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
in the Erongo Region:
Danish
Cooperation for Environment and Development (DANCED) website.
Walvis Bay:
Namibia Economist
Namibian National Biodiversity Programme - Bird research and survey
projects: Coastal bird surveys:
Directorate
of Environmental Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Environment and Tourism
(MET), Namibia