Government reaffirms commitment to water and ocean protection

Sandwich Harbour, Namibia

The Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, has announced that the country is committed to cross-border water and ocean governance during a high-level panel at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

Speaking at the side event “Bridging Borders, Protecting Oceans: Transboundary Cooperation from Source to Sea,” held in Nice, France, Nghituwamata joined global leaders and experts in highlighting the urgent need to work across national boundaries to safeguard rivers, lakes, coasts, and oceans.

The panel addressed the growing threats to aquatic ecosystems caused by pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. It focused on how regional cooperation, guided by established frameworks, can help countries better manage shared water systems while ensuring sustainable development and food security.

“Namibia remains committed to the full implementation of the Guidance Note on source-to-sea management,” Nghituwamata said, adding that collaboration with regional and international stakeholders is essential for long-term impact.

Namibia, which shares several key water sources with neighboring countries, is recognized for its integrated water resource management strategies and participation in multilateral efforts such as the Orange-Senqu River Commission and the Benguela Current Convention.

UNOC3 aims to accelerate action toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 — life below water — and foster science-based policy solutions for healthy oceans and waterways.