WINDHOEK, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba on Friday underscored the importance of safeguarding the country's oceanic resources, revealing that it contributes at least 10 billion Namibian dollars (about 528 million U.S. dollars) to the country's economy annually.
Mbumba emphasized this significant economic contribution in a statement he delivered Friday as the southwestern African nation commemorated World Ocean Day at an event held in the coastal town of Walvis Bay.
"Our proximity to the ocean has enabled us to benefit from fishing in our ocean and other water bodies which contribute 5 percent to our gross domestic product, creating thousands of jobs and contributing to food security," said Mbumba.
He noted that although the ocean is empowering many people, it is under threat from climate change and the harmful activities of humans. Among the challenges imposed on the ocean are: rising sea levels, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and illegal unreported, and unregulated fishing practices among others, he said.
Mbumba urged the country to protect the ocean, stressing that the youth have a significant role to play in ocean protection as they are the catalysts of change and are central to creating a nexus between climate, nature, and development.
"It is therefore imperative that we take urgent action to address these issues before it is too late. By reducing carbon emissions, eradicating plastic pollution, and actively combating all forms of environmental degradation, we as Namibians, can give our ocean a breath of fresh air," he concluded.
World Ocean Day is an international day that takes place annually on June 8. It is a significant event to raise awareness about the necessity of protecting the ocean and the sustainable development goals that can be achieved through it. ■