WEMAF is a permanent, broad-based, multi-stakeholder forum that assesses, advises, raises awareness, provides support, and takes an active role in formulating and implementing various environmentally related policies, programmes, or activities within the jurisdiction of Walvis Bay.

The forum comprises stakeholders from various organizations, including staff members from the Ministry of Environment & Tourism, the Municipality of Walvis Bay, the University of Namibia, municipalities in the Erongo Region, and the Namibia Dolphin Project, among others. The Municipality of Walvis Bay initiated the forum in 2011, and it meets at least two to three times a year.

Recently, the WEMAF agenda has included topics such as sea water quality monitoring, seal behaviour and ecology, strategic partners in climate change management, the Lagoon Ecosystem Health Monitoring Project, and single-use plastic bag regulations.

The forum’s chairperson, David Uushona, stressed the importance of discussing ecosystem dynamics as they form the basis of development. “The Municipality of Walvis Bay is strongly committed to promoting teamwork and stakeholder involvement in preserving our ecosystems,” he added.