Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025

CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.

Now in its fifth year, MPA Day is a growing international movement dedicated to raising awareness about the role of MPA's in conserving biodiversity, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring long-term ocean health. First launched in South Africa in 2021, the date commemorates the historic proclamation of 20 new or expanded MPA's in South Africa on 1 August 2019, a significant milestone in marine protection. This year's theme, “Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection,” emphasises the role people play in successful marine conservation with over 90 events set to be held in more than 25 countries. A comprehensive list of events can be found here: MPA Day 2025 Events.

CapeNature manages seven of South Africa's 42 MPA's, in addition to four nearshore islands and 13 estuaries, many of which are not formally designated as MPA's but contribute significantly to the country's marine and coastal protected estate. “Marine Protected Areas are the underwater indicators of a healthy environment,” said Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. “MPA's are more than just lines on a map; they are part of a living network that depends on science, enforcement, partnerships, and above all, people. MPA Day is a reminder that a healthy ocean starts with informed and engaged communities who are part of the marine protection solution.”

CapeNature collaborates closely with partners, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), universities, conservation NGOs, and research institutions, to carry out regular monitoring across protected coastal areas. These efforts track biodiversity, monitor threats, and inform adaptive management in the face of challenges like overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. 

CapeNature General Manager:

Advocacy Petro van Rhyn