Climate Change, a Sustainable Blue Economy and Socio-Ecological Resilience in Namibia: A Contemporary Socio-Legal Perspective

The ocean off Namibia’s coast is a part of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem and is one of the most productive ocean zones in the world. It also serves as an important hub for marine biodiversity and food production. However, climate change is affecting Namibia’s blue economy. The establishment and implementation of appropriate climate change policies, legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks are key elements in organizing and directing the advancement of Namibia’s blue economy. If climate change continues unabated, catastrophic weather might overwhelm the coastal countries’ ability to safeguard their people and infrastructure. This paper argues that comprehending the impact of climate change on Namibia’s blue economy demands a thorough grasp of key legal structures and procedures at the international and regional levels. There is a need to identify present gaps and capitalize on collaborative synergies, legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks on climate change and the blue economy.