The Ocean Festival team is all set to celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day on Thursday, 1 August, with a number of ocean-based activities and adventures for the public.
The focus will stretch from Amanzimtoti to the lower part of Scottburgh, along the length of the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area. This is just one of three MPAs found along the South Coast, all of which provide protected space for marine life to thrive, thereby supporting a healthy ocean ecosystem.
“MPA Day helps us collectively appreciate the value of MPAs and how they mutually benefit humans and the incredible marine biodiversity they are designed to protect,” said Russel Symcox, Ocean Festival founder.
“We are very excited about building awareness of, and rallying support for our MPAs. That is why we’ve put together a series of nature-based activities to not only educate everyone but also to make a positive impact by cleaning up around the beautiful Aliwal Shoal MPA.”
Dr Judy Mann, founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, said that MPA day was launched in South Africa in 2021 and has grown to be a globally-celebrated annual event that highlights the importance of the world’s marine protected areas and the need to conserve and grow them.
MPAs are known as ‘game reserves of the sea’, providing a vital safe haven for marine life in key areas. They are designated areas in the ocean, where human activities are regulated to safeguard marine biodiversity, habitats and cultural resources. South Africa has 42 MPAs, among them Aliwal Shoal, which is not only a vital MPA but also one of the world’s top dive sites.
“We are delighted to have the Ocean Festival team and supporters joining in the MPA Day celebrations with such impactful activities around Aliwal Shoal MPA. This is an important economic driver in the KZN South Coast region, attracting domestic and international tourists to our shores.
“We hope that others are inspired to follow in the footsteps of the Ocean Festival and organise talks and activities that create awareness around local MPAs, while also celebrating their natural beauty. The team has a really exciting programme lined up and we encourage residents and visitors to Scottburgh to join in the fun,” said Dr Mann.
For more information, check out @theoceanfestival on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.oceanfestival.co.za.
