Kelp Blue Receives Environmental Clearance!
Namibia, March 11th, 2020 – Kelp Blue is pleased to announce they have received their Environmental Clearance Certificate from Namibia’s Ministry of the Environment and Tourism – a significant milestone in the development of the company’s pilot operation in Lüderitz, Namibia.
This is a vital step in Kelp Blue’s continuing journey towards creating a sustainable new ocean industry. By working closely with the Namibian authorities, Kelp Blue can help the country fulfil its commitment made to the International High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Kelp Blue’s operations will boost Namibia’s ‘blue economy’ and help mitigate the local impact of climate change through building social, environmental and economic resilience.
Specifically, Kelp Blue will be contributing to the infrastructure and growth of Lüderitz, thereby enhancing the quality of life of local residents, in addition to creating employment and upskilling opportunities through the cultivation of giant kelp.
Kelp is a fast-growing seaweed which is highly effective at sequestering CO2. It generates positive ecological benefits to surrounding ecosystems in the form of water filtration, nitrogen removal and habitat provision, which in turn boosts marine biodiversity and improves fish stocks. Kelp also plays a role in counteracting the acidification and de-oxygenation of the ocean.
Kelp Blue’s Namibian operations will contribute to the attainment of the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goal Number 14: Life below water through the creation of marine ecosystems.
“This is an important step, and we are thrilled to have received the recognition that this certificate of environmental clearance represents. It paves the way for Namibia’s emergence as a leading blue economy innovator, and delivers ecological benefits,” commented Viviane Kinyaga, Managing Director of Kelp Blue Namibia.
