Hope Spot founder to unveil Aliwal Shoal next week
Aliwal Shoal has long been renowned as an epicentre for marine biodiversity.
LEGENDARY marine conservationist and oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle will unveil Aliwal Shoal as one of the first six South African Hope Spots at uShaka Sea World Education Centre on Friday, 12 December.
During her years at the forefront of ocean exploration and scientific discovery, Dr Earle has achieved a long list of impressive accolades – including being awarded the TED prize in 2009. This prize takes the form of a bursary awarded each year to an individual with a vision to change the world for the better. With these funds, Dr Earle founded Mission Blue, a marine conservation organisation dedicated to creating a global network of Hope Spots. Hope Spots are marine areas considered critical to the health of the ocean and therefore deserving of protection, of which there are currently 51 in existence worldwide.
Dr Earle’s imminent visit heralds the launch of the first six South African Hope Spots, which she will promote during a 10-day tour that begins in Cape Town on 4 December. The six locations chosen as flagship Hope Spots are False Bay, the Cape Whale Coast, Knysna, Plettenburg Bay, Algoa Bay and Aliwal Shoal, which will be the final destination on Dr Earle’s tour. On 12 December, Dr Earle will attend the official launch event of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot at uShaka Sea World Education Centre. At the event, she will not only deliver a lecture on the Hope Spot initiative, but will also launch the coffee table book being released in conjunction with the Hope Spot tour by Sustainable Seas Trust (SST). SST is the co-ordinating body of the South African Hope Spots, and the driving force behind Dr Earle’s December tour.
Proceeds from the book, which acts as a photographic celebration of South Africa’s marine resources, will go directly towards funding the education projects that are an integral part of all six Hope Spots. Dr Earle will be joined by other influential speakers at the uShaka event- including SST’s CEO, Dr Tony Ribbink and Judy Mann, conservation strategist at SAAMBR. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening, attended by some of the most distinguished luminaries of the marine conservation world.
During her time in KZN, Dr Earle will also conduct a dive at Aliwal Shoal itself, and hold meetings with biologists, conservationists, divers, surfers, school children and local authorities.
Aliwal Shoal has long been renowned as an epicentre for marine biodiversity, especially in its capacity as a shark hotspot; and is also important from a human perspective. The local populations of Umkomaas and Scottburgh rely heavily on the region’s continued popularity as a world famous dive destination, while members of impoverished communities in the surrounding area also depend upon the sea for their livelihoods.
Lastly, Aliwal Shoal already supports several conservation groups and research initiatives, completing the triumvirate of conditions necessary to make it the perfect Hope Spot. For more information about Sustainable Seas Trust and the South African Hope Spot initiative, visit www.sst.org.za/hope-spots.
