Kunene regional governor Marius Sheya said the region is in a unique position to reach its developmental goals in both the blue and green economies.
While introducing projects to access green growth in the region, Sheya said the region needs funding from both local and foreign investors to promote green economy initiatives in local authorities and infiltrate the blue economy.
“We are adamant that our coastline and marine resources are of great economic value. The coastline encourages the establishment of many great things while the tourism prospects of the coast cannot be argued away,” he said.
Green economy strategies focus on the sectors of energy, transport, sometimes agriculture, and forestry, while the blue economy focuses on fisheries sectors and marine and coastal resources.
Blue economy objectives prioritise the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health. A green economy is dependent on sustainable development, which means growing economies in ways that benefit, not sacrifice, social justice and equity as well as the environment.
Sheya, while delivering his state of the region address last week, stated that the region is currently experiencing its seventh consecutive drought and added that living conditions in the region are extreme and require unity, in collaboration with government, to help revive the deplorable situation.
He further applauded government for efforts through social safety nets that protect senior and vulnerable citizens against the pressure of poverty and hunger.
“This social support system gives poor households income, security, reduces inequality, and ensures that growth is shared,” explained the governor.
A total of N$6.8 million per month is spent to administer government maintenance grants to 27 505 beneficiaries in Kunene alone. About N$11 million is spent monthly on old-age grants to 8 536 beneficiaries, while N$4.5 million is spent on disability grants to 3 240 beneficiaries.