Namibian fisheries observer attends training in ocean governance

September 13 2023

Gordon S. Negongo, a Senior Fisheries Observer at the Namibian Fisheries Observer Agency, Namibia,  attended an Ocean Governance Training Programme in Cape Town, South Africa. The International Ocean Institute (IOI) in South Africa, annually host the Ocean Governance Training Programme for participants from around Africa. Mr. Negongo, who attended the 2023 edition in August and September 2023, has recently returned to Namibia and is ready to share his knowledge and experiences within the Fisheries Observer Agency.

This years’ course programme included a pool of candidates from seven different countries, South Africa, Mauritius, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia, Algeria and Cameroon enabling an active exchange from different perspectives.

The course aimed at equipping early career ocean advocates to explore the concept of ‘Blue Economy’ and how their work can help to inform policy making and decision-making processes in respect to blue economic growth. It hoped to shape ocean stewards and leaders in the ocean space through training and providing the tools needed for them to achieve this.

The course included lectures and field trips to institutions, organisations and companies. Hands-on exercises, group assignments and discussions are encompassed in the different elements of the programme. A highlight of the programme were a practical exercise in marine spatial planning (MSP) on how different stakeholder interests can co-exist within a common shared space and to collectively create synergies and minimize conflict.

Mr Negongo’s attendance on the course was funded through the MCSCC’s Ocean Vigilance project which is implemented by Stop Illegal Fishing.