Blue Benguela Current – Sustainable Marine Biodiversity Management

The three BCLME countries recognise the importance of conserving and improving marine and coastal biodiversity to enhance the region’s climate resilience and to support diverse opportunities for improving livelihoods and food security in line with regional governance policies of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

The Action supports Angola, Namibia and South Africa in their implementation of the Benguela Current Convention and the BCC’s third Strategic Action Programme (SAP 2023-2033) and associated Implementation Plans (IP), especially the IPs for ecosystems and biodiversity as well as for enhancement of economic development potential. It also Action promotes the ratification of the International Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) to ensure consistent management of important marine biodiversity areas extending into areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

The Benguela Current Convention’s Strategic Action Plan and the blue economy policies of all BCC countries make reference to good governance and human rights principles, such as the inclusion of all societal groups and especially previously disadvantaged communities, women and youth. The BCC's gender policy and action plan promotes gender equality and gender mainstreaming. This initiative underscores the power of regional unity to protect shared natural heritage.