Petition 07 October 2025

Luderitz , Namibia

Theme ‘Lüderitz Residents Support Responsible Port Expansion and Environmental Preserving Our Heritage While Building Our Future’

To: The Chief Executive Officer

Namibia Ports Authority (Namport)

Cc: Geo Pollution Technologies (EIA Consultants); Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism; Office of the Governor //Karas Region; Office of the Chief !Aman Traditional Authority (Bethanie) ; Lüderitz Town Council

Petition Statement

We, the undersigned residents of Lüderitz, wholeheartedly support the proposed expansion of the Port of Lüderitz (Robert Harbour). Our support is anchored in the understanding that the expansion of the port be guided by the current principles and guidelines that aim to preserve and protect, while advocating for economic progress.

Background

Lüderitz stands as one of Namibia’s oldest and most historically significant coastal towns, a living testament to resilience, diversity, and the enduring relationship between people and sea. Our fishing industry, tourism, and new energy opportunities have made Lüderitz a focal point for Namibia’s sustainable growth.

However, growth must always be guided by knowledge, participation, and environmental responsibility.

That is why we commend Namport’s decision to commission a comprehensive EIA before expanding the port ensuring that development aligns with our environmental obligations and community aspirations.

We the residents of Luderitz support the call by the Chief of the Aman Traditional Authority (Bethanie) who urged all Namibians to participate actively and lend their voices to this process. His call reinforces that this project is not for a few, but for the collective benefit of Namibia.

We therefore Recommend the following - Our Commitments and Requests

• We support Namport’s EIA process — as a proactive measure to assess, prevent, and manage any potential environmental or social impacts associated with the port expansion.

• We affirm that Lüderitz’s heritage is not being destroyed. Instead, the assessments ensure that our town’s unique identity, its architecture, marine environment, cultural significance is preserved and integrated into future development.

• We call for continued transparency and inclusion of the Lüderitz residents, fisherfolk, youth, and business owners should continue to be informed and included in decision-making and progress updates.

• We request opportunities for skills development and employment for the Karas residents. As part of this

project, Namport and partners should priorities local training, job creation, and procurement to empower Lüderitz residents and ensure long-term community benefits.

• We support collaboration between Namport, Geo Pollution Technologies, and the !Aman Traditional Authority. This partnership demonstrates respect for both traditional leadership and local governance, and ensures that the process benefits the wider Namibian community.

• While we remain committed to conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) responsibly and sustainably, we express our support for the proposed port expansion. We believe this initiative is a necessary step forward and one that promises to stimulate economic growth, strengthen key sectors, and create much-needed employment opportunities for our communities. Progress and sustainability can go hand in hand, and we the Lüderitz residents advocate for a future that balances both.

Our Vision

This petition reflects our collective belief that Lüderitz can be a national model for how development, environmental care, and heritage preservation can work hand in hand. The expansion of the Port of Lüderitz, represents a rare opportunity to modernize our economy without compromising the character of our beloved town.

Call to Action

We, the residents of Lüderitz and concerned Namibians, encourage everyone to sign this online petition to show their support for responsible development. Together, let us ensure that Lüderitz continues to thrive as a beacon of Namibia’s maritime history, and as a forward-looking town ready to embrace a sustainable and inclusive future.

Signed by:

The Residents of Lüderitz and Supporters Nationwide