Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes has emphasised the urgent need to take action to safeguard the wellbeing of the oceans for the benefit of forthcoming generations.
Forbes says the ocean plays a vital role in supporting life, ensuring food security, generating employment, and presenting limitless prospects for economic expansion and advancement.
Speaking at the opening of the Walvis Bay Maritime Festival, Forbes stressed that the blue economy encompasses an extensive array of sectors, spanning marine transportation, fisheries, renewable energy, tourism, and beyond.
The aim of the festival is to underscore the pivotal role played by the maritime industry in propelling the country's economic progress and advancement.
It also served as a platform for industry participants to raise awareness about their offered services or products and disseminate information about career prospects across diverse maritime domains.
"Establishing partnerships with universities, research institutions, and private companies can promote marine research, innovation, and the development of new technologies to address environmental challenges and improve resource management. In short, Walvis Bay can capitalise on its coastal advantages by focusing on sustainable fishing, marine tourism, port development, renewable energy, and research to actively participate in and benefit from the blue economy."
Plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change stand as significant threats confronting the ocean's ecosystem health.
"But I have faith that we can overcome these challenges. As a coastal community, we have a responsibility to be stewards of our ocean and protect it for the benefit of all. Together, we must work towards sustainable solutions that promote environmental conservation while fostering a resilient economy."
Furthermore, he suggests that due to its coastal location, Walvis Bay has the potential to explore renewable energy alternatives such as offshore wind farms, wave energy installations, or desalination plants.
By harnessing these resources, he adds, the town could diminish its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy trajectory.
The festival took place under the theme "Preserving a Healthy Ocean Ecosystem for a Resilient Economy."