Namibia urges ocean protection

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Namibia, where the seafood industry accounts for five percent of GDP, must better manage and preserve the ocean's health, according to Namibia's Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Kilus Nguvauva.

The minister made the comments recently at an event in Swakopmund, Namibia, to commemorate World Oceans Day, which has been established by the UN General Assembly.

Kilus Nguvauva said oceans provided a living for millions of people living on the coasts, either directly or indirectly. The minister urged Namibians to reverse the current situation, arguing people's lives were at risk both socially and economically.

Nguvauva explained that the global economic cost related to pollution of coastal waters amounts to NAD120 billion (US$16.2 billion) each year.

An estimated 75 percent of the marine pollution originates from land-based sources, and 6.5 million tonnes of litter enter the world's oceans every year, according to environmental experts.

– Raphael Mweninguwe

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