Hundreds of people in Walvis Bay have petitioned the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to reconsider the environmental approval for marine phosphate mining.
Namibia has approved environmental clearance for marine phosphate mining about 120 kilometres southwest of Walvis Bay.
Although there is a distinction between environmental clearance and the commencement of commercial mining, some residents are outraged.
They say the activity could threaten marine ecosystems, fishing resources and coastal livelihoods.
Community members have handed over a petition to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, calling for greater scrutiny of marine phosphate mining.
They are concerned about possible impacts on fish stocks, seabed habitats, fishing grounds and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
"What could Namibia gain from mining, and what could Namibia lose if our marine environment is damaged? We therefore respectfully call upon the Government of the Republic of Namibia to reconsider any environmental approval or certificate issues for marine phosphate mining and to review whether all potential environmental, fisheries, employment and socio-economic impacts have been adequately assessed," said Taapopi Shikongo, a community member at Walvis Bay.
The group is calling for independent scientific studies and wider consultation with fishing industry stakeholders.
"An Environmental Impact Assessment has been released, and NBC News spoke to one of the local researchers who has studied this specific report and has conducted further research on marine phosphate mining. One of the issues the researcher emphasised was that marine phosphate mining and fishing could coexist, provided there is a strong monitoring system in place," stated NBC reporter Renate Rengura.
Dr. Dietlinde Nakwaya-Jacobus is a senior lecturer at UNAM's Fisheries and Ocean Sciences department.
"This ocean has a lot of resources. Phosphate actually just came. I feel that the case study of phosphate came to awaken the nation, came to awaken us as Namibians. But they have put in the report that they are going to be monitoring the recovery of those areas. We need to strengthen monitoring and inspection and to make sure that the proponent is doing the right thing. And in my view is that the government doesn't need to put money for this. The proponent should be in the conditions they are given. They should be given a condition to establish a fund, the fund that will be used for monitoring, inspection, and to undertake an independent verification study."
The ministry has received the petition and says it will forward it to the relevant authorities for consideration.