1. AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS’ CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT- MEETING UN-Habitat & ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability 28 - 31 July 2009, Tshwane, South Africa Clr. Nambahu & Mr. Uushona Walvis Bay, Namibia

2. Contents: 1. Introducing Walvis Bay 2. WB Assets 3. Sea Level Impacts 4. The Way Forward

3. 1. Introduction - Perspective

4. Population: + 2.088 million Area: + 824 269 km 2 Coastline: + 1570 km

5. Population: + 60 000 Area: + 1124 km 2 Coastline: + 30 km 1.Introduction – Walvis Bay

6. 2. Assets of Walvis Bay Wetland & Sand Spit (Ramsar site, saltworks, tourism) Kuiseb River & Delta (water source & habitat) Dune & Gravel Plain (desert, recreation, filming) Coast (Fisheries, habour & beaches)

7. 3. A SEA LEVEL RISE ASSESSMENT FOR THE COAST OF NAMIBIA World Bank study on Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Developing Countries 2007 Namibia is ranked 26 out of 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa on most impact classes. The exceptions are for impact on population and urban areas, where Namibia is ranked 22 out of 29. Walvis Bay is the big issue!!! Oranjemund, Luderitz and Swakopmund are less problematic.

8. Walvis Bay with 1m sea level rise.

9. 3. Impacts on Walvis Bay Scenario 3(c) NOTE: UNAFFECTED area shown

10. 3. Walvis Bay on a Sheltered Coast Coastal defences would need to be raised as the sea level rises. In 2030 sea level rise of 20cm will be accompanied by coastal set back of up to 100m within the town. Additional coastal defences may well be needed

11. 3. Possible Worse-Case Impacts  Possibilities of a permanent Pelican Point Sandspit breach. Coastal defences would involve extensive engineering studies with the possibilities of sand nourishment, groynes, rock revet units and sand- filled geo-textile shore protection (Theron 2007).  Managed retreat rather than coastal defence becomes the preferred option.  The harbour and its transport services must be continually rebuilt on higher ground.

12. 3. Polar Ice Melt and Walvis Bay  The town of Walvis Bay will have to relocate.  Fresh water wells on the Kuiseb River will become contaminated.  Possible monetary impact : N$26bil (20,000+ properties)  Port operations ceased.  Billions will be lost on municipal infrastructures such as road, water and sewer, electrical and etc.  Many businesses, some very large, and organizations will stop operations.  Risk assessment and forward planning needed.

13. 4. The Way Forward Continuous Monitoring. (upgrading of monitoring stations) (WBLA21 Project) Adaptation/Mitigation Measures. (reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience, options, approaches) (MET Consultancy) Capacity Building. (engineering & planning, sustainable development, citizens A&EE (UN-Habitat) I THANK YOU!