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Nature

Join the global celebration of

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS DAY

Learn about the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean
creatures, plants and habitats within South Africa’s MPAs
and how protecting these ecosystems can help people

ollowing the fabulous success of the inaugural
Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, held on 1 August
F2021, this national event is now set to go global from
this year. Everyone is welcome to celebrate these ‘game
reserves of the sea’ with a number of exciting activities
planned at home and abroad for Monday, 1 August 2022.

WHY ARE MPAS IMPORTANT?
South Africa protects approximately 8% of its terrestrial
wildlife through a network of protected areas, such as
the Kruger National Park. These protected areas are
national treasures, where locals and visitors can explore
and experience the wonders of nature. Similarly, the rich
diversity of coastal and ocean ecosystems in South Africa is
protected through a network of MPAs.
South Africa has 41 MPAs which make up only 5.4% of
the ocean and coast. These MPAs play a significant role in
the protection of spawning and nursery areas that allow for
recovery of the ocean’s marine life, which is threatened as a
result of rampant overfishing. MPAs, therefore, provide safe
havens for marine life to regenerate and thrive.
In summary, the benefits of these valuable ocean areas Youth4MPAs collective. There’s also the popular MPA Day
include: Photo Competition with new categories for amateur and
• Providing a home to rare and endangered species professional photographers and even bigger prizes.
thereby ensuring marine biodiversity. At 7pm on Monday, 1 August 2022, the MPA Alliance
• Allowing fish stocks to increase in size and abundance, will host a special webinar with five leading South African
supporting adjacent fisheries. marine scientists to share the latest research on MPAs. This
• Protecting our cultural heritage connected to the ocean. year will also see the launch of the Citizen Science initiative.
• Providing beautiful spaces for recreational activities, “We are very excited about this year’s MPA Day which
thereby promoting tourism. will be celebrated across the world,” says Dr Judy Mann,
• Providing educational centres for environmental Executive of Strategic Projects of the Two Oceans Aquarium
learning. Education Foundation. “We have new partners who have
• Providing a solid foundation for researching the natural joined our incredible team, and we hope to make MPA Day
world. even more accessible to its global supporters. A few other
• Absorbing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby countries will be joining us as we work towards our dream
helping to create a buffer against climate change. of making MPA Day a truly international celebration. We
• Creating a marine wildlife economy for sustainable job look forward to MPA Day 2022 and encourage everyone to
creation. participate.”
Join in the discussions around MPAs on Instagram
HOW CAN WE CELEBRATE MPA DAY 2022? @marineprotectedareassa, Twitter @MPAsSA1 or Facebook
This year, marine scientists will join youth groups Marine Protected Areas SA (@MPASouthAfrica).
onshore to explore South Africa’s MPAs. There will be an For more information about South Africa’s MPAs, visit
MPA Day Essay and Art Competition for children run by the www.marineprotectedareas.org.za

10 • Issue 6 2022 • The Villager