NIMPA Management

Situated in the Southern part of Namibia, the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) spans 9,500 km², serving as a haven for a diverse marine ecosystem that includes endangered and endemic species like the African penguin and the Heaviside’s dolphin. These species not only contribute to the ocean’s ecological balance but also hold immense economic and social value for coastal communities, providing sustenance, income, and drawing tourism.

Despite its ecological significance, Namibia’s sole Marine Protected Area faces a multitude of threats, ranging from overfishing and illegal practices to climate change, pollution, and habitat degradation. The disconnect between society and the tangible value of marine life exacerbates these challenges, endangering the survival of species and jeopardising coastal communities’ livelihoods. Recognising the urgency of the situation, NAMCOB collaborates with a consortium, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Blue Marine Foundation, and others, to address these threats and strengthen the management and conservation of NIMPA.