Sam Najuma UNAM Campus Aquaponics System Inauguration, Henties Bay
On September 27th, the Aquaponics project team, including Mr. Liswani, the project coordination assistant, and Dr. Clemens von Doderer, the resident representative of HSF, traveled to Henties Bay for the inauguration and handover ceremony, which took place at the University of Namibia’s Sam Najuma Campus.
The objective of this event was to inaugurate the project’s demo aquaponics system at the Sam Najuma UNAM campus. The event marked the formal transfer of the daily operations and maintenance of the aquaponics system to the management team at the University of Namibia. With the inauguration, a plaque was unveiled to recognise the financial support from the Embassy of Finland and partnerships with the University of Namibia and the Ministry of Higher Education. Secondly, the inauguration event was a public platform to raise awareness about aquaponics practices and its potential to contribute to food security in Namibia. Lastly, this event provided an opportunity for multisector stakeholders, partners, and experts to gather, celebrate, share, and network around the topic of aquaponics and continue efforts to support Namibia in becoming food secure.
The inauguration ceremony was moderated by Ms. D. Jacobus, lecturer at the Sam Najuma UNAM campus. The welcoming remarks were delivered by Hon. Benitha Imbamba, Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council. In her address, she warmly welcomed all attendees and emphasized the importance of initiatives like the aquaponic system, acknowledging the University of Namibia’s leadership in agricultural innovation. Hon. Imbamba also expressed gratitude to the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Finnish Embassy for their work and financial support as international donors. She highlighted their potential to drive national transformation and encouraged continued collaboration among all stakeholders, extending efforts beyond the UNAM campus to the broader Namibian region and beyond.
Dr. Clemens von Doderer, speaking on behalf of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, emphasized the importance of the inauguration and handover of the aquaponic system, noting the complete transfer of its operations to the University of Namibia. He expressed gratitude to the Finnish Embassy for their ongoing support to HSF and extended special thanks to Mr. Jean Bouwer, the lead contractor for the project. He further provided insights into the technical workings of the aquaponic system, outlining the benefits it will offer to both students and the broader community, while underscoring its greater significance in promoting sustainability and innovation.
Mr. Sakarias Rantala, Deputy Head of Mission, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Embassy of Finland to Namibia. He expressed his gratitude to the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and conveyed his pleasure in collaborating with HSF. Despite the challenges faced during the project, he noted that they were gathered to celebrate a significant achievement, thanking HSF for reaching this important milestone. The Embassy was proud to witness the progress of the aquaponic project.
Mr. Rantala spoke on the impacts of climate change and the efforts of various organizations to mitigate its effects. He emphasized the Embassy of Finland’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting sustainable solutions, which is why they partnered with HSF to develop the demo aquaponic system. He highlighted that the aquaponic system will bring substantial benefits not only to the University of Namibia but also to the wider community. He also stressed that Finland has moved from words to action, as evidenced by the inauguration of the aquaponic system. In closing, Mr. Rantala reaffirmed the strong historical ties and solid relationship between Namibia and Finland. Following Mr. Rantala' presentation, the attendees were treated to a lively performance by the NYS Cultural Group, a renowned choir and dance ensemble from the Erongo region. Their impressive musical talents and captivating dance moves left the audience thoroughly amazed.
Following the musical performance, Prof. Dr. Cristina Stefan, PVC: RID, delivered remarks on behalf of the University of Namibia (UNAM). She expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Finland for their substantial support to both the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and UNAM. Prof. Stefan echoed Mr. Sakarias' sentiments, acknowledging Finland's shift from words to action and highlighting the generosity and collaboration between the Finnish government and Namibia. She reaffirmed UNAM’s commitment to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through practical research. She further emphasized the importance of international cooperation in solving community challenges and noted that the aquaponic system will serve as a platform for learning, skill development, and advancing Namibia’s agricultural sector.
Concluding her speech, she expressed her sincere thanks on behalf of the UNAM Vice Chancellor for the remarkable work and support from HSF and the Embassy of Finland. She also looked forward to seeing students gain hands-on experience and practical learning through the aquaponic system.
The inauguration ceremony concluded at 12:40 PM with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Dr. Samuel Mafwila, Director of the Sam Nujoma Campus. He expressed deep gratitude to the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Embassy of Finland for their work and financial support in making the aquaponic system a reality on the UNAM campus. He shared that it had long been their dream to establish such a system, but financial constraints had made it impossible until now. Thanks to the efforts of HSF and the Finnish Embassy, that dream was realized. He encouraged all participants and stakeholders to continue their collaboration and support for future initiatives.
The inauguration of the aquaponics system at the Sam Nujoma Campus marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable agriculture and education in Namibia. The project is a testament to the power of international collaboration and innovation, and it will serve as a valuable resource for students and the local community. The Hanns Seidel Foundation, in partnership with the Finnish Embassy and the University of Namibia, has laid the groundwork for a project that holds immense potential to address food security and climate change challenges in the region.
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