From Mission Blue: “This February, Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue hosted the Champions from all seven South African Hope Spots to celebrate and convene the growing network. The events included a workshop that fostered strengthened collaboration, the formation of new partnerships, and the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovative conservation strategies. We also celebrated the re-launch of Algoa Bay, Aliwal Shoal, Cape Whale Coast, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay Hope Spots! The workshop was the first time Champions from all seven South African Hope Spots had officially come together.
The spirit of community, connections and collaborations was amplified during the celebration of the community event “My False Bay, My Pride” on Saturday 22 February. Under the guidance of Loyiso Dunga of Parley for the Ocean and the Seas of Good Hope project, the Hope Spot Champions joined in celebration with current and future generations of custodians of this beautiful False Bay. The celebration brought together both young and old, fisher-folks and marine biologists, and everyone in between. This was an opportunity for a group that seldom gets to sit together to discuss ways to safeguard and co-manage their ocean heritage.
These efforts are part of Mission Blue’s South Africa Initiative, designed to establish robust conservation networks in the region through targeted support, catalytic funding, and community engagement.”
