The terms of reference for this study in essence, required this report to: 1 assess the degree to which existing and proposed institutions, laws and policies in Namibia are sufficient to achieve effective coastal management; 2 identify gaps, overlaps and conflicts within the existing governance framework for coastal management; and 3 make recommendations for strengthening the institutional, policy and legal framework to achieve effective coastal management, including evaluating the possibility of decentralising some central government functions to regional councils and local authorities.