10 Reasons to Celebrate Africa’s First-ever Marine Protected
On Sunday, 1 August 2021, a consortium of South African organizations will be the first, globally, to celebrate a day dedicated to the conservation of critical ocean areas which allow marine life to thrive, reproduce and grow. Along the South African coastline, there are 42 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which provide crucial safe havens for animals and plants in the ocean, and also support human communities.
While many people are aware of the importance of terrestrial protected areas, such as nature reserves and game parks, few understand that the same level of protection can and must be afforded our ocean life as well,” explained Dr Judy Mann, Conservation Strategist at SAAMBR (South African Association for Marine“ Biological Research). “These are effectively the ‘Kruger National Parks of the oceans and an investment in our own future well-being.”
In South Africa, MPAs are declared through the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, and are the responsibility of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. On land, South Africa protects 7.8 percent of our land area, whereas in the ocean, it’s only 5 percent of the territory.
To highlight the important role MPAs play in conservation of marine biodiversity, the consortium of South African organizations, passionate about the protection of marine life and people, have established MPA Day as a way to educate and inspire others about the proper management of these protected spaces and to draw attention to the benefits which MPAs provide. Here’s a look at some of the reasons to celebrate MPA Day on 1 August.
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