Managing Natural Resources in Namibia: The Mining and Fisheries Sectors

The Capstone team explored how Namibia can prevent the “resource curse.” The resource curse is a paradoxical phenomenon wherein resource-rich countries experience slower economic growth and development, as compared to their resource-poor counterparts. The former also suffer from weaker governance and higher social and environmental costs, including higher instability and are prone to conflict.

The purpose of this project is to make recommendations to relevant stakeholders so that Namibia can maximize benefits from use of its natural resources, while minimizing the costs borne by indigenous communities and the environment.  The team reviewed the impact of Namibia’s dynamic extractives and fisheries sectors on the country’s economy, society, and natural environment.  They concluded their project by providing recommendations to the government, companies, civil society, and media on measures that can be taken to serve this purpose.