Debmarine Foundation inaugurates seabird emergency rehabilitation units
• BY JO-MARIE ORTNER
AS biodiversity and climate change continue to remain a priority and an environmental goal for Namibia, the De Beers Group of companies in line with this vision recently launched a sustainable projects aimed at protecting the natural world and improving the lives of the Namibian people.
The Debmarine-Namdeb Foundation which comprises of Debmarine Namibia, Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Namdeb) and Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) inaugurated two Seabird Emergency Units namely in Orandjemund and Lüderitz on November 18 as apart of the support given to MFMR for seabird conservation.
The inauguration of the Seabird Units was aimed at helping the conservation of seabirds on the Namibian coast and it’s marine.
Additionally, the inauguration focused mainly on the most endangered species to help preserve them from extinction as these species are at risk of being lost permanently globally.
The initiative was hosted under the theme, ‘Building a Forever Framework,’ a 5-year plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality across all its operations and minimising the foundations’ water footprint and to achieve a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030.
The Building Forever framework aims to, create a positive and sustainable impact that will endure well beyond the discovery of our last diamond.
As part of their persevering goals the foundation has set 12 ambitious goals that it desire to obtain by 2030 with hard work and determination. Furthermore, the 12 goals are dependent on four pillars – leading ethical practices, partnering for thriving communities, protecting the natural world and accelerating equal opportunity.
These will help make a meaningful and beneficial impact to not only the foundation but the people who contribute to the mass results, such as the employees and partners.
In her keynote address the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sylvia Makgone, who officially opened the two units commended the Debmarine-Namdeb Foundation and Debmarine Namibia for the extensive investment towards marine environment protection.
She stated that the ministry was pleased and thankful for such initiatives and openly welcomed the partnership with both parties.
“With increasing financial constraints on the Namibian government, it is important that the wider society and corporate establishment, support and contribute to the fight for the survival of our seabird species,” Makgone said.
Her sentiment were echoed by Chairperson of the Debmarine-Namdeb Foundation, Sharing the same Brent Eiseb who said, “We would like to state that we continue to form partnerships and collaborative opportunities if we are to achieve this goal.
The units being inaugurated today are as a result of collaboration with local and international partners to strengthen our role in protecting the natural world. With these two facilities and the center at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Lüderitz, we can now safely and proudly say Namibia is now prepared to handle any emergency for seabirds affected in case of an oil spill in our oceans.
”
The support given by the Debmarine-Namdeb Foundation, is a steppingstone to improving possible aquatic life deaths including seabirds. With assistance from various organisations the intention is to construct a fully equipped seabird rehabilitation facility in Lüderitz, which will be essential in supporting the Ministry and contributing to seabird research, rehabilitation and conservation in Namibia.
FOR MORE ON THIS AND OTHER STORIES: GRAB A COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER