As part of the process of developing the next Benguela Current Convention (BCC) Strategic Action Programme (SAP) under the BCLME III project “Improving Ocean Governance in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem”, the three BCC countries are developing National Action Plans (NAPs), which will inform the development of the 2022-2027 SAP. South Africa held an accelerated NAP development workshop in Johannesburg from 30 May to 3 June 2022. In attendance was the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Department of Transport (DoT), with its subsidiary, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
Consultations were conducted by the national consultant for the South African NAP. Indeed, the deliberations were extensive and included the environment, transport, mineral resources and tourism sectors. The consultant gave feedback on the consultation process undertaken during the month of March, April and May which were either physical or online.
The outcomes of the discussions included the possible structure of the final report, which will be integrating the work of different sectors in the maritime domain of South Africa and embrace an approach that is more inclusive, integrated and reflective of the principles of co-operative governance in order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development through economic development, conservation, sustainable use of resources, improvement of livelihoods and maintenance of healthy ecosystems.
