Three countries, Angola, Namibia and South Africa have signed the Convention of the Benguela Current Commission (BCC) in Benguela, Angola.
The aim of the convention includes protecting the marine environment against any adverse impacts and promoting the implementation of the environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for activities taking place within the marine and coastal sector.
Among other things, the Accord provides for the collection and sharing of data, protection of vulnerable species and biological integrity and to improve human and infrastructure development.
The BCC, which is the first of its kind in the world, is a multi-sectoral and intergovernmental initiative of Namibia, Angola and South Africa. The BCC promotes sustainable management and protection of the Large Marine Ecosystem of the Benguela Current.
The Benguela Current, believed to be one of the richest ecosystems on Earth, features rich resources and is estimated to be worth at least USD54.3 billion per year.
Activities taking place within the current include offshore oil and gas drilling, marine diamond mining, coastal tourism, commercial fishing and shipping.
The current stretches the west coast of southern Africa and covers the coast of Angola, Namibia and South Africa.
Raphael Mweninguwe
