Ref: 13/6/26
6 August 2007

MEDIA RELEASE FROM CABINET CHAMBERS

Cabinet took the following decisions at the 11th meeting held on 24 July 2007.

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DESIGNATED NATIONAL AUTHORITY AND CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM OFFICE UNDER THE KYOTO PROTOCOL:
Over the past decades scientific evidence indicated that global warming and climate change will more than likely become a reality during the 21st century. This change will be a direct result of the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activity.

Governments of the world, therefore, agreed to establish the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as a negotiating mechanism to respond to the threats of climate change at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).

Namibia’s Green Plan of 1992, which was presented at the UNCED conference in Rio de Janeiro, recognised that both the country and the national economy depend on the prudent and wise use of its natural resources. Sustained economic growth depends on the adequate protection of these resources, which are extremely fragile because of our arid climate.

Although Namibia’s contribution to global warming through the production of greenhouse gases is negligible, the country is particularly vulnerable to the predicted changes of global warming and increased aridity.

Namibia acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in July 2003 and became a Party in October 2003. As a developing country Party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Namibia is not required to reduce its emissions, but can trade carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (Article 6) of the Kyoto Protocol.

The trading in carbon credits may result in significant investment in Namibia by companies that wish to make use of opportunities such as agro-forestry or energy production.

To implement the Kyoto Protocol, Namibia needs to establish a Designated National Authority (DNA) and the Clean Development Mechanism Office (CDM Office). The DNA is to serve as the primary point of contact for the CDM in Namibia to evaluate and approve projects based on national criteria and to confirm or certify that the proposed project assists the country in meeting its development objectives as outlined in the various development plans and Vision 2030.

The CDM Office will promote CDM as an economic development instrument and the facilitation of the preparation, along with private sector partners, or project proposals and the submission of CDM proposals through the DNA to the CDM Executive Board of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change for approval. Financial and other support for the implementation of the approved projects will come from the private sector partners and international donor agencies.

Cabinet, therefore, designated the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as the Designated National Authority for the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, while it designated the Ministry of Trade and Industry as the Clean Development Mechanism Office for Namibia. Cabinet, furthermore, approved the establishment of two positions at the Deputy Director level in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Trade and Industry respectively to be responsible for the implementation of the activities associated with the DNA and CDM Offices.

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism at telephone number 2842335.

2. 2005/2006 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FISHERIES OBSERVER AGENCY:
Cabinet gave the green light to the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources to table the above-mentioned annual report in the National Assembly.

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources at telephone number 2053007.

signed


MBEUTA UA-NDJARAKANA
PERMANENT SECRETARY