Namibia has embarked on a new era in governing its coastal areas and resources. The National Policy on Coastal Management comes at a time when our coastal areas can contribute more than ever before to an improved quality of life for all Namibians. It represents a critical step in the nation's march towards sustainable coastal development. The coast has the potential to contribute signifcantly to economic development and an improved quality of life for all Namibians, but only when managed sustainably. The policy provides a framework within which this can happen.