The Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot will join coastal communities around the world in celebrating Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day on Saturday, 1 August, with a full programme of experiences designed to connect people with one of South Africa’s most extraordinary marine protected areas.
Celebrated annually around the world, MPA Day shines a spotlight on the importance of Marine Protected Areas in safeguarding biodiversity, supporting coastal communities and strengthening our relationship with the ocean. Supported globally by Mission Blue, the initiative encourages people to celebrate the remarkable places that sustain life beneath the surface and inspire us to protect them.
As one of Mission Blue’s internationally recognised Hope Spots, Aliwal Shoal forms part of a global network of exceptional ocean places championed by local conservationists and lead by legendary oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle. Locally, the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot programmes are implemented by Wild Alliance Africa, whose work brings together communities, scientists, tourism operators, educators and conservation partners in a shared commitment to protecting this globally significant ecosystem.
This year’s programme offers something for everyone.
The celebrations begin on the evening of Friday, 31 July, with a screening of the acclaimed Netflix documentary Mission Blue, which follows Dr Sylvia Earle’s lifelong journey to inspire hope and action for the ocean. This will take place at the Cutty Sark Hotel and will begin at 18:00.
At first light on Saturday, 1 August, participants will embark on the 33-kilometre Aliwal Shoal MPA Beach Walk, traversing the entire Marine Protected Area from Kelso to Illovo Beach. Along the way they will pass through Rocky Bay, Preston Beach, Park Rynie, Scottie’s Caravan Park, Scottburgh Main Beach, Clansthal Beach and Umkomaas Main Beach, where members of the public are encouraged to cheer them on as they celebrate the coastline that connects these communities.
At 10:00, two boats will launch from Scottburgh Main Beach, carrying invited conservation champions and long-standing advocates for the marine protected area. One vessel will head to the reef for a dive on the world-renowned Aliwal Shoal, while the second will offer an ocean safari to observe humpback whales and other marine life during the annual winter migration.
Also at 10:00, the Aliwal Shoal Ocean Leadership Programme will host a free guided exploration of the remarkable rock pool ecosystem at Green Point Beach, Clansthal. Open to visitors of all ages, the experience offers a unique opportunity to discover the incredible diversity of life thriving in the intertidal zone. Participants should meet at the Clansthal Main Beach parking area.
Russel Symcox, Founder of Wild Alliance Africa says “Marine Protected Areas are living classrooms, places of wonder, and powerful reminders of our connection to the natural world. Every person who walks this coastline, explores a rock pool or experiences the ocean firsthand becomes part of the story of protecting it. Lasting conservation begins when people fall in love with a place, and MPA Day is our invitation to experience it with us.”
Marine Protected Areas are among the most effective tools available for protecting biodiversity, supporting sustainable livelihoods and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. MPA Day reminds us that global conservation begins with local action, and that by celebrating places like Aliwal Shoal together, we strengthen the collective responsibility to care for them for generations to come.
Wild Alliance Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors and event partners whose support has made this year’s celebration possible: Mission Blue, MPA Day, ScubaXcursions, Oceans Alive Scottburgh, Keep Scottburgh Beautiful, Halfway Toyota, Aliwal Shoal Ocean Leadership, Ocean Festival, Premier Hotel Cutty Sark and Umdoni Municipality.
Everyone is warmly invited to be part of this special celebration of Aliwal Shoal and to experience the beauty, biodiversity and inspiration that make this Hope Spot one of South Africa’s most treasured marine environments.
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