Page 5 - Landscape-Issue140

FEATURE

PROTECTING SOUTH AFRICA’S OCEANS

The fourth annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day took place on 1 August 2024
and was themed Celebrating MPAs – for People and for Nature. It invited people around

the world to recognise the importance of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’.

his year, the MPA Day team
welcomed on board the Mission
TBlue team, who will rally its network
of ‘hope spots’ around the world. These
are special places scientifically identified
as critical to the health of the ocean,
all of which are championed by local
conservationists supported by Mission
Blue.
Renowned oceanographer, explorer,
author and lecturer, Dr Sylvia Earle,
acknowledged everyone taking action to
save and restore the oceans.
Helcom, an inter-governmental
organisation bridging policy and science
on matters relating to the environment of
the Baltic Sea, also showed its support for
MPA Day. The deputy executive secretary
of Helcom, Jannica Haldin, commented:
“We are very pleased to unite with
partners in South Africa and around the
world to underscore the vital role of
marine protected areas in preserving our
oceans’ biodiversity.”
West Coast MPA. Photo: Dr Judy Mann
Ocean health
This year’s MPA Day celebrations were
well timed as the fate of the oceans is survival of humanity depends on healthy related activities that will encourage
under global discussion, with two major oceans.” everyone to support the country’s marine
conferences having been hosted. In April, One of the key outcomes of both biodiversity, and appreciate its value.
the UN Ocean Decade Conference took conferences was the need for greater
place in Barcelona, Spain, attracting 1500 emphasis to be placed on the role of Partners involved
Samgro Wholesale Nursery, situated in Wellington, Western Cape, supplies a diverse range of over 700 people, with a further 3000 online. A people, and the importance of inspiring The partners involved in MPA Day
second one took place in Greece, where people to care for our oceans. This was included Two Oceans Aquarium,
plant species across Southern Africa and Internationally, with an annual production exceeding 3 million
plants.
delegates, academics and philanthropists the core focus of MPA Day. In South Africa, Flow Communications, Olivia Jones
discussed the protection of the world’s there are 41 MPAs protecting only 5% of Communications, WildOceans, WWF-SA,
With propagation at the heart of our business, the focus has broadened to include collaboration with
plant breeders and service culture labs, enhancing our variety with fresh, new species. oceans and pledged actions to safeguard the country’s oceans for the benefit of Cape Nature, Adventure Mania, Mission
them. people and nature. Blue, HELCOM, Ezemvelo-KZN Wildlife,
We emphasise advanced production planning and constantly enhance our partnership with clients Dr Judy Mann, founder of MPA Day and Helen Lockhart, conservation and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and
through tailored growing programmes and improved supply chain efficiency.
executive of strategic projects at the Two sustainability manager at the Two Oceans the Environment, and others.
Oceans Aquarium Foundation, said that Aquarium, said that together with local
Our goal is to ensure our clients benefit from greatly reduced production costs through our proven track
record, reliable supply of quality plants and excellent service. the two conferences were a sign that the organisations around the False Bay ‘hope Information and photos supplied by Olivia
world was “waking up to the fact that the spot’, they will engage the public in ocean- Jones Communications
As we navigate the future of the green industry, we’re excited to continually grow and innovate together
with our clients.
Your Purchasing Options
Standard Growing
Plugs are grown in 128cc plug trays, with a selection of plants grown as standard that are readily.
available. Our Availability List is distributed at various intervals to keep clients informed so orders can be
placed.
Tailored Production Planning & Supply
Seasonality, species, lead times, quantities and supply intervals are discussed to assist in planning
ongoing purchases to best suit clients’ business needs. Not only for today or tomorrow, but into the years
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming
ahead.
SANA Spring Trade Fair 2024 on 14th August
Contract Growing
and/or
Bespoke growing planning to meet large scale needs on select/specific species.
Cape Green Day on 11th September
CONTACT US to discuss the purchasing option that best
info@samgro.co.za and Samgro.Office@samgro.co.za suits you! Tsitsikamma MPA. Photo: Dr Judy Mann Effective signage is critical in MPA management. Photo: Dr Judy Mann n
Tel: +27 21 873 4377 / Cell: +27 82 893 0188
Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 140 2024 3