CapeNature highlights protected areas

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, celebrated on 1 August, is an opportune time to value and appreciate South Africa's MPAs.

To mark this special day, CapeNature will broadcast "Chronicles of our coastline", an exciting and informative video series presented by marine specialists, from 3 to 8 August, on its YouTube channel. Topics range from perfecting partnerships, making science work and combatting crime to exploring the Betty's Bay Marine Protected Area.

"It is important to educate the public about the importance of MPAs since these seascapes provide a sanctuary for species to reproduce, grow, and thrive, ensuring their long-term survival whilst also contributing to the socio-economic well-being of numerous coastal communities." said Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature.

In South Africa, MPAs are regulated by the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003), and associated regulations.

CapeNature manages six of the 13 MPAs in the Western Cape. MPAs play a crucial role in preserving the health and resilience of marine eco-systems. These areas encompass a variety of habitats and species, creating a diverse and interconnected network of protected environments.

Significant benefits

While the primary goal of MPAs is conservation, they also provide significant benefits to coastal communities through job opportunities. As tourist attractions they also provide local communities the opportunity to generate income. By serving as stable "factories" of marine life, MPAs act as a safeguard against the numerous threats faced by our oceans. In some instances, Marine Protected Areas also include estuaries which play a vital role in filtering out sediment and pollutants from rivers and streams before they flow into the ocean, providing cleaner waters for humans and the marine life.