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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Theme I
Green economy, entrepreneurship and biotrade

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Benefits of biotrade
Poverty reduction
Environmental conservation

22. 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

23. 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?

24. Theme II
National Policy on Community-Based Natural Resource Management

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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.”

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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)

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

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

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

44. 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?

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

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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.