Debmarine Namibia operates in the offshore realm, with our immediate communities serving as the guardians of the vast Atlantic Ocean. With utmost respect for the marine environment, our recovery process involves extracting diamondiferous gravel from the ocean floor at depths reaching 140 meters, with 99% of the material we extract being returned to the seabed, showcasing our dedication to sustainable practices.
Supported by staff and students from local universities and independent scientists, Debmarine Namibia has been monitoring and studying the impacts of diamond recovery on the marine environment in Atlantic 1 since 1994.
Over the years, Debmarine Namibia has forged strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, with monitoring activities guided by a Marine Scientific Advisory Committee established in 2012. This committee comprises independent marine scientists from academia and industry. The primary aims of the monitoring program are to assess the impact of diamond recovery processes on the benthic habitat and associated communities in the context of natural variability and to monitor the seabed and benthic community recovery after disturbance.
Surplus benthic samples were sponsored to four institutions, contributing to scientific research, education, and the enhancement of knowledge about the marine environment. These institutions include the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Education, Directorate of National Heritage and Culture Programs, the University of Namibia (UNAM), and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
One of our core initiatives is the benthic monitoring program, which assesses the impact of our recovery operations on the benthic communities in the Atlantic 1 Mining Licence Area. This program also monitors the recovery time after recovery activities. Annually, between October and December, we collect benthic samples from designated control, impact, and natural variability sites across the mining license area. This commitment to comprehensive data collection and analysis demonstrates our dedication to understanding and minimizing our environmental impact. These samples have been collected for the past three years, with an investment of over N$20 million.
The Walvis Bay Maritime Week is one programme where Debmarine Namibia partnered with the Walvis Bay Municipality and Namibia Port Authority, aiming to create awareness on coastal clean-up, marine protection, and engaging learners, scholars, and the community on careers available at Debmarine Namibia.
Our strategic partnership has extended beyond our borders, emphasising the significance of partnerships in achieving the company’s environmental goals. We work closely with the Benguela Current Commission, a multinational cross-sectoral initiative involving Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. In 2012, the company took a significant step by initiating the establishment of the Marine Scientific Advisory Committee (MSAC). This committee comprises independent scientists from various local and South African universities, as well as experts from the De Beers group. This year, international scientists have been added to MSAC as well. The philosophy that underpins Debmarine Namibia, as reflected in our Company’s Environmental Policy, is a commitment to continual improvement in our environmental management practices. By closely monitoring the key characteristics of our operations, we aim to minimize any potential negative impacts on the environment. Our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System compels us to raise environmental awareness and foster a sense of individual responsibility among our employees and our nation at large.
The company supports other initiatives aligned with the company’s strategic narrative, such as the Wakapinya Environment Club. Wakapinya Environmental Education is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that works to develop sustainable projects that benefit the community and lessen environmental harm while enhancing communities’ quality of life and reducing poverty. It also aims to increase environmental awareness and education among young people to understand their local and global environment and live sustainably towards their environment.
Internally, Debmarine Namibia employees actively participate in environmental projects such as World Environment Day, World Water Day, and many more, creating awareness.
Contributed by Debmarine Namibia
