Erongo Governor Dr Nathalia /Goagoses has called for stronger governance, greater transparency and firm accountability in Namibia’s fisheries sector, warning that the country’s marine resources must be protected from corruption and mismanagement.

Speaking at the opening of a five-day Corruption Vulnerability Risk Assessment Workshop hosted by Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia for the Fisheries Sector in the Erongo Region, /Goagoses described Namibia’s fisheries resources as a national asset and a public trust that must be safeguarded for current and future generations.

She said stronger systems were needed to identify vulnerabilities, close governance gaps and prevent corruption before it takes root.

The Governor urged participants to ensure that lessons from the training translate into practical measures that strengthen accountability and improve the protection and management of the country’s fisheries resources.

“Good governance cannot remain on paper,” was the underlying message of the Governor’s address, as she emphasised the need for effective systems capable of detecting risks and addressing weaknesses within the sector.

She reaffirmed the Erongo Region’s commitment to working closely with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Water and Land Reform and other stakeholders to promote integrity and responsible governance in fisheries.

According to /Goagoses, protecting Namibia’s marine resources is a collective responsibility that requires effective oversight, transparency and sound management systems.

The training forms part of broader efforts to identify and address corruption vulnerabilities within Namibia’s fisheries management systems while strengthening public confidence in the governance of one of the country’s key natural resources.

By Rudi Bowe