If we continue to act like we don’t need our ocean, we will rapidly lose it, all that it gives us and its benefits.

 

But THERE IS STILL HOPE and there are MANY WAYS that YOU CAN HELP us turn this crisis around.

All the ACTIONS outlined below will see you, personally, become a part of increased ocean protection.

 

Taking us from 5% to 10% in South Africa and to a minimum of 30% within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030 for the globe.

LEARN MORE

Join Ocean iMPAct online: Not enough people know about our current 5% ocean protection and that, by simply spreading awareness, they can help us achieve more. Please help us share updates, photos, and news stories across South Africa, about our irreplaceable oceans.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceaniMPActsa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OceaniMPActSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanimpactsa/

 

Find out detailed information about each of South Africa’s MPAs here: marineprotectedareas.org

 

Check out the level of protection in South Africa’s waters (and other countries around the globe) – MPA Atlas

 

Download and read the Highlights and policy implications of new economic report

 

The ­financial and economic benefi­ts of 30% protection exceed the costs by a factor of at least 5 to 1. This is a conservative estimate because the report did not quantify all ecosystem services benefi­ts.

 

Be inspired by the positive work of WIOMSA (https://www.wiomsa.org/news/) (The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association) and its partners – urging everyone to BUILD BACK BETTER and helping us learn HOW!

SPREAD AWARENESS

Download and share our content pack around marine protected areas here:

 

DOWNLOAD

BE THE CHANGE

Here are 10 things you can do or decisions you can make every day to help save the ocean:

 

1. BE HEARD

Speak out for the oceans. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.

 

2. MIND YOUR CONSUMPTION

Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by decreasing your carbon footprint and energy consumption. Walk to work, switch to fluorescent light bulbs and avoid using a heater or air conditioner.

 

3. SAFE, SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is sustainable. Download the SASSI APP HERE

 

4. USE LESS PLASTIC

Limit your impact by carrying a reusable water bottle, storing food in reusable containers, bringing your own reusable/fabric bag when shopping and recycle.

 

5. TAKE CARE OF BEACHES

Always clean up after yourself and explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach clean-ups.

 

6. PURCHASE AWARENESS

Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewellery, tortoise-shell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles) and shark products.

 

7. OCEAN FRIENDLY PETS

Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter and avoid stocking your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish.

 

8. LEND YOUR SUPPORT

Speak out for the oceans, share this campaign and let your government know that you support MPAs.

 

9. TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you are set on taking a cruise for your next vacation do some research and find the most eco-friendly option.

 

10. GET EDUCATED

All life on earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health. Then, share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Call on our decision-makers (in particular, Minister Creecy of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries) to protect South Africa’s oceans and announce 10% ocean protection.

 

Contact the United Nations South African Ambassador – Jerry Matthews Matjila (Matjila@dirco.gov.za) and share all the reasons why you think 10% MPAs in South Africa’s waters is a good idea, not only for our country but to benefit the larger ocean network globally – a true reflection of “United Nations”.

 

Add your name alongside South Africa’s very own World Surfing Champion, Michael February and sign the World Surf League Petition: Calling on world leaders to support highly protecting 30% of our shared global ocean, by 2030. WSL

 

Urge your government to support 30×30 in the new global deal for Nature 2021! #Love30x30

 

Urge Businesses to sign up to the Business for Nature Coalition https://www.businessfornature.org/call-to-action – because the oceans are everybody’s business.

 

RISE UP for the Ocean – Call to Action for Governments to RISE-UP

 

Support the negotiation of the United Nations High Seas Biodiversity Agreement which will enable MPAs in two thirds of the oceans. High Seas Alliance 

 

Call on world leaders to protect Antarctica and deliver the largest act of ocean protection in history: We urge you to realize your commitment to protecting the Southern Ocean by creating three vital marine protected areas in Antarctica in 2020. Petition-Antarctica

 

Join the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People – An intergovernmental coalition that seeks to protect our world and our future. Campaign for Nature

 

Check out and make use of the many ocean protection resources at https://www.oceanprotect.org/ (OneOcean). OneOcean is a collective promoting the urgent need to enhance human wellbeing through ocean protection, safeguarding the key services which the ocean performs for our planet.  Informed by the work of scientists and other experts, the initiative provides a unified platform for ocean groups and aligns effort.

 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Find out how you can get involved: https://www.unenvironment.org/get-involved

YOUTH

Join Youth4MPAs – South Africa

Youth for Marine Protected Areas (Y4MPAs) are an informed and passionate group with a network across 3 provinces in South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town) who are advocating for increased ocean protection.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/y4mpas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/y4mpas_sa/

Email: DuduN@wildtrust.co.za

 

 

Join the EarthEcho Youth Action Network https://www.earthecho.org/youth-leadership-council
The EarthEcho Youth Action Networkand Youth Leadership Council are platforms for today’s emerging trailblazers and visionaries in the environmental field. EarthEcho unites a community of young changemakers, by providing opportunities for networking and collaboration, amplifying the work of youth leaders, and mobilizing action with a focus on ocean health, biodiversity, and water quality.

 

 

The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (and respective country chapters) https://www.gybn.org/contact-us

You can become a member, create a local chapter, subscribe to their mailing list and see what events are taking place (around biodiversity) across the globe.

There are plenty resources on their page – including all the latest campaigns they are a part of: https://www.gybn.org/campaigns

GET INVOLVED IN CBD

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty (agreement between countries across the globe) for the conservation of nature and people. The CBD has three main goals: to protect biodiversity; to use biodiversity without destroying it; and, to share any benefits from genetic diversity equally. The CBD is an international legally binding treaty and was inspired by the world community’s growing commitment to sustainable development.

 

How can you get involved in the CBD?

See here: https://www.cbd.int/action-agenda/contribute/individual.shtml

 

Individuals can join the CBD mailing list to get updates about events or updates regarding CBD

 

You can make a pledge – “Tell us what you’re doing to safeguard nature and all of us who depend on it. And most importantly, tell your friends.” https://www.cbd.int/action-agenda/contribute/

 

You can explore some 140 other actions identified on their page from people and organisations around the world – you can view who submitted it, what target it meets,  partners and contact details for the person who submitted it. https://www.cbd.int/action-agenda/contributions/

DONATE

The more funding WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST, has, the more marine conservation work we can do! Every cent counts and makes a difference. If you want your donation to go directly into the Ocean iMPAct Campaign – please use it as a reference.

 

Donate here: http://wildtrust.co.za/support-us/

 

Project 0 & WILDOCEANS Turning the tide on the climate crisis

 

Project Zero is working with WILDOCEANS (a programme of the WILDTRUST), in support of the South African governments’ efforts, to fully protect 5% of the oceans around South Africa – with the vision of 10% and beyond. Recently 20 new and expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were rolled out and are currently at chrysalis phase. You can help us turn them into butterfly’s! Your contribution will help ensure skippers and managers on the ground are trained to identify threatened species and help work to coordinate marine protected area legislation. This funding will ensure that MPA staff have the resources they need to carry out their responsibilities and to patrol effectively with boats, GPS and radio technology. (ALL ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)