Aliwal Hope Spot launched
It was launched by legendary marine conservationist and oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle.
ALIWAL Shoal was launched as one of six South African Hope Spots in December.
The Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is the co-ordinating body of the South African Hope Spots, and the driving force behind the initiative.
Legendary marine conservationist and oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle made a brief appearance in Durban to meet the local Hope Spot committee. Dr Earle has achieved a long list of impressive accolades – including being awarded the TED Prize in 2009. 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.
The criteria for choosing the South African Hope Spots were that they must be of environmental importance; that they must be well placed to facilitate the involvement of local communities; and that they must already support functioning research initiatives.
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, please visit https://www.sst.org.za/hope-spots
