A commitment to Environmental Stewardship and Collaborative Science

Debmarine Namibia’s commitment to environmental stewardship and scientific research is evident in its recent initiative to donate surplus benthic samples to several institutions. By supporting the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Education, the Directorate of National Heritage and Culture Programmes, the University of Namibia (UNAM), and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the company is enhancing marine research and education.

Reiterating the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and fostering meaningful partnerships with these institutions, Debmarine Namibia's Chief Executive Officer, Willy Mertens emphasised that the company operates in the offshore realm, with immediate communities acting as guardians of the vast Atlantic Ocean. “One of our core initiatives is the benthic monitoring programme, which assesses the impact of our recovery operations on the benthic communities in the Atlantic 1 Mining Licence Area. This programme 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 licence area. This commitment to comprehensive data collection and analysis demonstrates our dedication to understanding and minimising our environmental impact. These samples have been collected for the past three years, with an investment of over N$20 million.”

Mertens mentioned that the company’s utmost respect for the marine environment includes the recovery process involving the extraction of diamondiferous gravel from the ocean floor at depths reaching 140 metres. Notably, 80 percent of the extracted material is returned to the seabed, showcasing the company’s dedication to sustainable practices. To ensure operations align with the highest environmental standards, Debmarine Namibia has obtained certification to the ISO 14001 international standard. This certification establishes stringent requirements for an environmental management system that supports environmental protection, pollution prevention, and compliance with legal obligations. It also emphasises the importance of socio-economic considerations and close collaboration with key stakeholders.

Debmarine Namibia's Chief Environmental Scientist, Dr. Deon Louw, highlighted 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 the company’s environmental policy, is a commitment to continual improvement in environmental management practices. By closely monitoring the key characteristics of operations, Debmarine Namibia aims to minimise any potential negative impacts on the environment.

The donation of samples to Professor Lameck Mwapagha of NUST, Dr. Eliakim Hamunyela of UNAM, and Dr. Francois Becker of the National Museum of Namibia demonstrates the value placed on academic and scientific partnerships. These collaborations are expected to significantly contribute to advancing marine research and enhancing knowledge about the Atlantic Ocean’s ecosystems.