Co-operation on fisheries and marine environment
The cooperation between Norway and South Africa has been ongoing for the last 15 years, but will be concluded as bilateral cooperation in 2010.
From 2000 to 2004 approximately 50 mill NOK was disbursed through the NORSA programme to finance projects in South Africa, while the amount covering the period 2005-2009 was 40mill NOK. The programme has contributed to more sustainable management of the marine resources, enhanced economic growth in the sector and created opportunity for close cooperation between Norwegian and South African marine/coastal management directorates/agents as well as research institutions.
Some components of the cooperation will continue with a regional perspective, based on an eco-system approach. Norway provides 50 mills NOK covering the years 2009-2013 to the marine science component carried out by the Benguela Current Commission. The research will benefit all the countries influenced by the Benguela Current, and even beyond.
Norway has also for 7 years supported the regional organisation INFOSA (subgroup of INFOPÊCHE), acknowledging the important work the organisation does for the fishery sector in the field of marked analysis, information sharing and competence building.
To increase the competence and capacity in the sector in the region, Norway also support (total amount NOK 22 mill.) the B.sc course in “Fisheries and aquatic science for the SADC region” at the University of Namibia. This support will be phased out in 2011.
Norway will continue the dialogue with government institutions and NGOs in the SADC regions regarding common stands in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries, an issue that is high on the Norwegian political agenda.