The green economy and regional/local economic development Arl820s/arl821s: advanced regional and local economic development

outline Green economy: definition, characteristics, challenges, assets and importance Green entrepreneurship: definition and promotion Biotrade: definition, sectors, stakeholders, initiatives, challenges, opportunities and benefits Community-Based Natural Resource Management: policies and legislation, aims, objectives, principles, strategies and implementation

objectives To examine the dynamics associated with the green economy, entrepreneurship and biotrade in Namibia (theme I) To assess in-depth Namibia’s Policy on Community-Based Natural Resource Management (theme II) To engage students and assess their understanding through interactive discussions

Theme I Green economy, entrepreneurship and biotrade

Introduction: Namibia's economic and social profile Average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4% per annum 2009 GDP figure: N$ 11.2 billion High income inequality Reliance on subsistence agriculture

Introduction: Namibia's environmental profile Strong emphasis on sustainable development Communal areas: affected by land degradation, bush encroachment and soil nutrient depletion Remarkable diversity of habitats and species in Namibia Focus on innovative biodiversity conservation

Green economy An economy “that results in improved human well-being, poverty reduction and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities” (United Nations Environment Programme, 2011) An economy “that maintains, enhances, and where necessary and feasible, rebuilds natural capital as a critical economic asset and source of public benefits, especially for poor people” (United Nations Environment Programme, 2011)

Characteristics of a green economy Low carbon footprint Resource efficiency Social inclusiveness

Towards a green economy: Namibia's challenges Extractive and resource-inefficient practices Shortcomings in attaining Millennium Development Goals, Vision 2030 and National Development Plans

Towards a green economy: Namibia's assets Rich biodiversity Low population Unique ecosystems High value niche sectors

Importance of a green economy Enhances sustainability of natural resources Reduces poverty Supports inclusive economic opportunities

Green entrepreneurship “Creating green jobs through sustainable enterprise development” (International Labour Organisation) Bedrock for creating and sustaining a green economy Two perspectives: output and processes

Green entrepreneurship (cont’d) Crucial for economic growth and youth employment Important role of SME sector: 20% of national GDP, approximately 150,000 jobs Technical innovation: pollution reduction, clean production processes and resource efficiency Green innovation

Stimulating green entrepreneurship in Namibia Nurturing a green business culture Setting a policy framework for entrepreneurship Building capacities and providing funding

biotrade The “collection, production, transformation and commercialisation of goods and services derived from native biodiversity under the criteria of environmental, economic and social sustainability” (United Nations Conference on Trade and Industry i.e. UNCTAD, 1996) Biotrade initiative by UNCTAD (1996): Biodiversity conservation Sustainable use of components Fair and equitable sharing of benefits

Namibia’s biotrade sectors Indigenous natural products: over 4,300 plant species, non-timber forest products and other biodiversity products Wildlife: non-consumptive wildlife viewing tourism, trophy hunting, sale of live game and game meat Indigenous crops, vegetables and livestock breeds: mahangu (or pearl millet and sorghum), goats, sheep, cattle Indigenous fisheries and marine resources: hake, horse mackerel and pilchard

Namibia’s biotrade stakeholders Private sector Public sector Civil society International partners

Institutions and initiatives relevant to biotrade The Indigenous Plant Task Team Adherence to ABS and Bioprospecting Committee Community-based natural resource management Strengthening protected areas National Horticulture Task Team and Infant Industry Protection

Development grants and private investments United Nations Development Programme Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem Benguela Current Commission United States Agency for International Development (USAID) European Commission

Challenges and opportunities Organisation of the supply chain and “trickle down” effect Compliance with production, certification and quality standards Limited access to credit, inadequate infrastructure and variable climatic conditions Supply side capacity International demand Governance and support for biotrade in Namibia International support and interest in biotrade

Benefits of biotrade Poverty reduction Environmental conservation

Towards the consolidation of biotrade in Namibia: recommendations Harmonisation of policies Investments: engaging the private sector Infrastructure investments and reform Awareness raising and information dissemination Research and development

Theme I: discussion questions Define the term green economy and the characteristics associated with it. Why is a green economy important? What are Namibia’s challenges and assets towards attaining a green economy? Define green entrepreneurship and the two main perspectives associated with it. What is the importance of green entrepreneurship? How can the concept be promoted in Namibia? Define the term biotrade. What are Namibia’s major biotrade sectors and stakeholders? Identify the institutions and initiatives relevant to biotrade in Namibia. Also, assess the roles of development grants and private investments in promoting biotrade. Discuss the challenges, opportunities and benefits of biotrade. How can biotrade be consolidated in Namibia?

Theme II National Policy on Community-Based Natural Resource Management

Namibia’s initiative on community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) Based on sound environmental management and sustainable use of natural resources A management approach which promotes economic development through conservation and strengthening of local institutions Has been in operation since 1992 Growing scope and complexity

Foundations of cbnrm: policies and legislation Nature Conservation Amendment Act, 1996 Forest Act, 2001 Communal Land Reform Act, 2002 Water Act, 2004 Inland Fisheries Resources Act, 2003 Traditional Authority Act, 2000 National Policy on Tourism for Namibia Environmental Management Act, 2007

Cbnrm Policy framework Namibia’s Constitution (Article 95): Government is obliged to ensure “the maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity and the utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future.”

Cbnrm aims To synergise rural development with biodiversity conservation To empower rural populations in natural resources management To increase yields from communal lands through research and technology To generate conditions for investment in conservation To strengthen local institutions To enable communities engage in natural resource monitoring and climate change mitigation

Cbnrm objectives To ensure biodiversity on state land outside protected areas To develop and implement an appropriate policy framework To ensure land tenure and natural user rights To design and implement monitoring and compliance measures To promote inter-sectoral coordination and public awareness To promote value addition and win-win outcomes

Cbnrm principles Sustainable use of natural resources Sound environmental principles as bases of resource management Participatory management Devolution of rights to access, use and ownership Security of tenure Compliance monitoring Incentives-based approach Equitable benefit sharing and distribution

Cbnrm major issues Alignment with Namibia’s Constitution, policies and laws Access to and sustainable use of resources Translocation or free movement Development and nurturing of local government structures Resource conflicts and mediation

Cbnrm strategies Land tenure and right to use, control, access and benefit from natural resources Community management of natural resources Compliance monitoring, accountability and good governance Benefits, community partnerships and joint ventures Research, education and knowledge management Sustainability of CBNRM Capacity building and skills development Support structures for community management of natural resources

Land tenure and right to use, control, access and benefit from natural resources Renewable resources: wildlife, tourist attractions, water, fish etc. Objectives: extend/specify tenure and resource rights, register user rights in name of beneficiaries, build CBNRM into integrated land use planning Strategic approach: provision of tenure rights by government, receipt of benefits by communities

Community management of natural resources Communities must have decision-making and management power Objectives: establish community incentives framework, create opportunities for community participation, promote integrated conservation Strategic approach: government support and involvement in management authority, devolution of management authority, reduce costs and barriers to sustainable management

Compliance monitoring, accountability and good governance Government responsibility to ensure CBO compliance with policy and legislation Objectives: ensure compliance by communities; encourage communities to participate in monitoring and evaluation; ensure transparency Strategic approach: active community participation, role of government in ensuring compliance

Benefits, community partnerships and joint ventures Protection of natural resources; fair and equitable distribution of resources Objectives: protect resource rights, create economic and other benefits, ensure fair and equitable distribution of benefits Strategic approach: government as a broker and facilitator

Research, education and knowledge management Adequate and comprehensive data Objectives: promote active learning and adaptation, environmental education, benefits and climate change adaptation Strategic approach: government role in promoting research, environmental education and technical advice

Sustainability of CBNRM Increasing number of community based organisations Objectives: establish institutional support, create long term sustainability strategies, balance operating costs with development needs Strategic approach: permanent CBNRM service agency and extension approach, funding (community income, government and external funding)

Capacity building and skills development Growing need for skills development Objectives: facilitate capacity building and skills development Strategic approach: government partnerships with communities, investors and service providers; government support for community based organisations; role of stakeholders

Support structures for community management of natural resources CBNRM is complex and multi-faceted Objectives: clarify role of support structures and ensure compliance Strategic approach: partnerships, policies and legislation

Cbnrm institutional framework Developing and using existing regulatory structures Creating and strengthening supporting units in government agencies Crucial role of non-governmental organisations and private sector Ministry of Environment and Tourism: CBNRM Coordination and Advisory Forum CBNRM service agency and advisory unit

Cbnrm Administration and management Communities will develop and implement administrative and financial management systems Government’s right to intervene

Cbnrm monitoring and evaluation Periodic assessment by government Engagement with communities Consultation with stakeholders

Theme II: Discussion questions Assess the background of Namibia’s Initiative on Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM). Examine the policies and legislative framework which define the foundation of the CBNRM. What are the aims, objectives and principles of the CBNRM? Discuss the major issues and strategies associated with the CBNRM. Assess the implementation of the CBNRM with respect to its: institutional framework; administration and management; monitoring and evaluation?

Open debate and discussion The future of Namibia’s small and medium scale enterprises lies in green entrepreneurship.

Review: theme I Sub-theme Details Green economy: definition An economy “that results in improved human well-being, poverty reduction and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities” (United Nations Environment Programme, 2011) Green economy: characteristics Low carbon footprint; resource efficiency ; social inclusiveness Green economy: Namibia’s challenges and assets Challenges: Extractive and resource-inefficient practices; shortcomings in attaining Millennium Development Goals, Vision 2030 and National Development Plans Assets: rich biodiversity, low population, unique ecosystems, high value niche sectors Green economy: importance Enhances sustainability of natural resources; reduces poverty; supports inclusive economic opportunities Green entrepreneurship “Creating green jobs through sustainable enterprise development” (ILO) Bedrock for creating and sustaining a green economy Two perspectives: output and processes Crucial for economic growth and youth employment Important role of SME sector Technical and green innovation Stimulating green entrepreneurship in Namibia Nurturing a green business culture; setting a policy framework for entrepreneurship; building capacities and providing funding Biotrade: definition The “collection, production, transformation and commercialisation of goods and services derived from native biodiversity under the criteria of environmental, economic and social sustainability” (UNCTAD, 1996) Biotrade sectors and stakeholders Sectors: indigenous natural products; wildlife; indigenous crops, vegetables and livestock breeds; indigenous fisheries and marine resources Stakeholders: private sector, public sector , civil society, international partners Biotrade challenges, opportunities and benefits Challenges and opportunities: Organisation of the supply chain and “trickle down” effect; compliance with production, certification and quality standards; limited access to credit, inadequate infrastructure and variable climatic conditions; supply side capacity; international demand; governance and support for biotrade in Namibia; international support and interest in biotrade Benefits: poverty reduction, environmental conservation

Review: theme II Sub-theme Details Namibia’s initiative on community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) Based on sound environmental management and sustainable use of natural resources A management approach which promotes economic development through conservation and strengthening of local institutions Has been in operation since 1992 Growing scope and complexity Foundations of CBNRM: policies and legislation Nature Conservation Amendment Act, 1996; Forest Act, 2001; Communal Land Reform Act, 2002; Water Act, 2004; Inland Fisheries Resources Act, 2003; Traditional Authority Act, 2000; National Policy on Tourism for Namibia; Environmental Management Act, 2007; Namibia's Constitution (Article 95) CBNRM aims To synergise rural development with biodiversity conservation; to empower rural populations in natural resources management; to increase yields from communal lands through research and technology; to generate conditions for investment in conservation; to strengthen local institutions; to enable communities engage in natural resource monitoring and climate change mitigation CBNRM objectives To ensure biodiversity on state land outside protected areas; to develop and implement an appropriate policy framework; to ensure land tenure and natural user rights; to design and implement monitoring and compliance measures; to promote inter-sectoral coordination and public awareness; to promote value addition and win-win outcomes CBNRM principles Sustainable use of natural resources; sound environmental principles as bases of resource management; participatory management; devolution of rights to access, use and ownership; security of tenure; compliance monitoring; incentives-based approach; equitable benefit sharing and distribution CBNRM major issues Alignment with Namibia’s Constitution, policies and laws; access to and sustainable use of resources; translocation or free movement; development and nurturing of local government structures; resource conflicts and mediation CBNRM strategies Land tenure and right to use, control, access and benefit from natural resources; community management of natural resources; compliance monitoring, accountability and good governance; benefits, community partnerships and joint ventures; research, education and knowledge management; sustainability of CBNRM; capacity building and skills development; support structures for community management of natural resources CBNRM institutional framework Developing and using existing regulatory structures Creating and strengthening supporting units in government agencies Crucial role of non-governmental organisations and private sector Ministry of Environment and Tourism: CBNRM Coordination and Advisory Forum CBNRM service agency and advisory unit CBNRM administration and management Communities will develop and implement administrative and financial management systems; government’s right to intervene CBNRM monitoring and evaluation Periodic assessment by government; engagement with communities; consultation with stakeholders

references International Labour Organisation. (n. d.). Green entrepreneurship: creating green jobs through sustainable enterprise development. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. (2013). National Policy on Community Based Natural Resource Management. United Nations Environment Programme. (2012). Green economy sectoral study: biotrade – a catalyst for transitioning to a green economy in Namibia. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (n. d). Biotrade initiative: about biotrade.