The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa will lead the official launch of the National Coastal Management Programme (NCMP) on Saturday, 14 March 2015, in East London.
The NCMP is aimed at facilitating a co-ordinated and integrated coastal management effort. It thus provides direction and guidance towards a structured and standardised approach to coastal management in South Africa. The NCMP brings together the various spheres and sectors of government, private sector and community activities on the coast.
Globally, coastal zones are among the most heavily exploited areas because of their rich resources. It is estimated that more than half of the total world population lives in coastal zones, and migration from inland areas to the coast is increasing. The enjoyment of the coastal zone by a wide variety of users and the view of the coast as a national asset and legacy for future generations is of the utmost importance for the promotion of its current and future sustainable use.
The theme for the launch is: “Healthy Coasts Supporting the Ocean Economy” which is fitting with the Operation Phakisa initiative. The National Environmental Management of the Oceans, was approved by Cabinet as a White Paper in December 2013. It highlighted that South Africa had not fully exploited the economic potential, and livelihood opportunities that the oceans in our country had to offer. As a result Operation Phakisa will be a useful tool in unlocking the economic potential of the oceans.
The event will therefore provide an excellent opportunity and platform for various non-governmental organisation and Integrated Coastal Management Institutional structure representatives to recognise the importance of integration that is principal to the NCMP’s development and objectives.
Media is invited to cover the event as follows, and will be afforded opportunities for photographs and interviews.
Date: Saturday, 14 March 2015
Time: 10h30 to 13h30
Venue: East London International Convention Centre (ICC), Eastern Cape
RSVP:
Sivuyile Ngaba
Cell: 071 403 5294
E-mail: sngaba@environment.gov.za
For media queries contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
