Nacoma helps Khorixas open Kunene gate

The Namibian Coast Conservation and Management (NACOMA) Project handed over the Khorixas Cultural Heritage and Interpretive Centre to Kunene Governor Josua //Hoebeb last week. NACOMA Project Coordinator, Mr Rod Braby said, “the Kunene inhabitants have little access to their 500 km long coastline, due to limited access to the Skeleton Coast, an ecosystem of biological importance, therefore, a huge number of the inhabitants, especially the active population group have limited exposure, and knowledge about their coastline”. The Khorixas Cultural Heritage and Interpretative Centre (KCHIC) was identified under the Kunene Regional Council’s Regional Development Plan (KRDP) of 2001- 2006 and the Cultural Centre aims to develop an in-door coastal environment and cultural heritage interpretative display for the Kunene inhabitants, to educate and expose them to their coastal environment whilst creating a sustainable business platform for local entrepreneurs, mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) specializing in craft.

The Cultural Heritage and Interpretive Centre will also facilitate cultural performances and conduct regular dialogues for the preservation of traditional culture in and around Khorixas.  Governor Josua //Hoebeb stated that the Kunene Regional Council has long realized the dream that  Khorixas provides an important gateway through which many visitors pass, on their way to the rich biodiversity of the western and coastal area of the Kunene region.
“The people of Khorixas are invited to proudly become involved in the success of this endeavour and called upon the citizens of the region to harmoniously be cooperative with the newly appointed centre coordinator to ensure the growth and richness of this centre,” he said.
The Namibian Coast Conservation and Management Project is a government initiative to facilitate Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The objective of this project is to conserve, use sustainably and maintain the biodiversity of the Namibian Coast.