Africa is endowed with vast ocean resources that have been lauded as having the potential to contribute to the continent’s sustainable development. But the livelihood support and economic benefits derivable from this endowment are at risk due to rise in unsustainable and destructive exploitation approaches.
Aquaculture (freshwater and marine) is a promising way to reduce the overexploitation of marine resources while supplying essential protein and employment to Africa’s rising population. Aquaculture contributed 47% of the global fish production in 2016 and is projected to continue driving global growth in the supply of fish in the coming years. To harness the full developmental potentials of the blue economy, holistic and coherent strategies are needed to ensure sustainable development of the sector for Africa’s transformation.
In this webinar, Dr. Samuel Mafwila, Director of the Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC), and coordinator of UNU-INRA’s Operating Unit in Namibia, will share his experiences in developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Namibia. Dr. Mafwila will be drawing from results of extensive and cutting-edge research conducted by SANUMARC in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, as well as national experiences of Namibia in developing a blue economy national policy as part of its 5th National Development Plan (NDP5).
Objectives:
The webinar aims to provide participants with an insight into strategies to develop sustainable fisheries and aquaculture at the national level using Namibia as an example. Specifically, it will highlight:
- Strategies to unlock the promise of aquaculture and its potential to relieve the pressures of unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.
- Optimal management practices related to species diversification, feed formulation and production and disease control and prevention.
- The promise of aquaculture as a viable industry of worth that can make significant contributions to efforts at enhancing food security and reducing unemployment.
Agenda:
| Time (CAT) | Agenda item |
| 4:00pm | Welcome remarks by UNU-INRA (Dr. Fatima Denton) |
| 4:05pm | Presentation (Dr. Sam Mafwila) |
| 4:45 pm | Q&A (Moderated by Dr. Martin Tjipute) |
| 5:00pm | Closing remarks |
Speaker Bios:
Dr. Sam Mafwila
Dr. Samuel Mafwila, Director of the Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC), and coordinator of UNU-INRA’s Operating Unit in Namibia, will share his experiences in developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Namibia. Dr. Mafwila will be drawing from results of extensive and cutting-edge research conducted by SANUMARC in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, as well as national experiences of Namibia in developing a blue economy national policy as part of its 5th National Development Plan (NDP5).
Mr. Martin Tjipute
Dr. Martin Tjipute is a lecturer in the department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Namibia. He is also a member of the Namibian Mariculture Association and the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa and has an interest in researching Fish Diseases, Larval Rearing, and Live Feed production as well as work interests in Analysing the profitability of Aqua cultural enterprises and Aquaculture Farm Management.
Dr. Fatima Denton
Dr. Fatima Denton is the Director of the United Nations University – Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) based in Accra, Ghana. She has depth of expertise in natural resource management, as well as deep knowledge of research and policy development, and the African region. Prior to joining UNU-INRA, Dr. Denton worked with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Ethiopia since 2012. Her roles included Director of the Natural Resource Management Division and Coordinator of the African Climate Policy Centre.
