Biodiversity Management and Climate Change

Context

Biodiversity and natural resources are the foundation of all life on Earth. They are crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and the provision of ecosystem services. 

Namibia’s natural resources and biodiversity offer high potential for the country’s socio-economic development. Unique land and seascapes, rich wildlife and mineral resources attract both tourists and investors. 
The sectors based on natural resources – mining, marine fisheries, tourism and agriculture – form the basis of the Namibian economy. In addition, 70 per cent of the Namibian population depends directly on natural resources such as farming, grazing land, medicinal plants, animal products, fuel and shelter for their livelihoods. . Healthy Ecosystems play an important but underestimated role in overall strategies to help people adapt to the negative effects of climate change.

Objective

A coherent implementation of biodiversity and climate change related policies, strategies and practises by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in cooperation with other Ministries and non-governmental actors increasingly contributes to diversifying and securing the livelihoods of local users of the natural resources.

Approach

Through its Biodiversity Management and Climate Change Project assists the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in the coherent implementation of Biodiversity and Climate Change related policies, strategies and practices in cooperation with other Ministries and non-governmental actors. 

Results

BMCC contributes to achieving the sustainable development objectives of Namibia and to secure livelihoods of particularly the rural population. A more efficient application of environmental laws, transparency in environmental management and a more equitable utilisation of biodiversity promote the conservation of ecosystems.
A dedicated law has been enacted, which ensures the self-determination of indigenous communities and involving them in decision-making processes.

Producers of biological resources (such as Marula Oil) as well as around 14,000 harvesters indirectly benefit through the fair sharing of benefits from this utilisation.

Three strategies and action plans for the Rio Conventions were approved by cabinet and their implementation has commenced. Participatory vulnerability assessments were conducted and ecosystem-based approaches to adapt to climate change and bio trade measures are being identified and implemented in pilot areas following good governance principles.