Overstrand Tourism Diary: 29 July - 2 Aug 202...
Here’s the latest Overstrand Tourism Diary!
Marine Protected Area Day: Gansbaai Beach Cleanup
MARINE PROTECTED AREA DAY THIS SATURDAY, 1 August 2026.
It all began in South Africa, where the love for the ocean runs deep and the call to protect it came from our spirit of “Mzansea”.
In 2021, Dr Judy Mann-Lang and a group of passionate citizens came together with a vision to honour the blue heart of our planet and create awareness of the vital importance of protecting its ecosystems for the benefit of all. It marked a bold move and one that has grown into an internationally recognised day.
“What began as a simple idea to raise awareness about MPAs has quickly evolved into a worldwide movement celebrated across continents,” says Dr Judy Mann-Lang, Founder of MPA Day. “The United Nations endorsement marks a major milestone in this journey, recognising MPA Day's contribution to conservation awareness and community engagement.” MPA Day now forms part of the Ocean Decade as an Activity under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). MPAs are designated sections of the ocean where human activities are managed to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. The experts agree that we can positively change the trajectory of our entire planet’s health by protecting our oceans.
Why Marine Protected Areas Matter
Fish forever, more jobs, climate resilience, tourism(more jobs), heritage, sustainable development, vital research and, most importantly, protecting the ocean ecosystems and our planet for generations to come.
• Protecting breeding, nursery and feeding grounds for marine species.
• Supporting sustainable fisheries and food security.
• Increasing resilience to climate change and environmental pressures.
• Safeguarding vulnerable and threatened marine species.
• Supporting tourism, recreation and coastal livelihoods.
• Providing opportunities for scientific research, education and citizen science.
As the world works towards the Global Goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, MPA Day serves as a reminder that meaningful conservation begins with awareness. Our ocean has a direct affect on our lives right now - supplying food, oxygen, reversing climate change and so much more IF we reverse the damage we have done and take special care of her NOW.
What you Can Do
• Join beach cleanups - this makes a huge impact on our ocean’s health
• Reduce litter and recycle - Gansbaai has our own Recycle Plant
• Create awareness in your neighbourhood - this makes a powerful impact in your community
• Eat sustainable foods - check before you purchase or consume
• Respect Mother Nature, the benefits are huge
• Support MPA initiatives in your community - we live in Walker Bay where our MPA area needs to be protected and the size increased in order to make an impact on our ocean’s ecosystem and our lives. It is our responsibility to ensure this happens in our “neighbourhood”.
JOIN Dyer Island Conservation Trust and CapeNature FOR A FUN BEACH CLEANUP AT GANSBAAI HARBOUR IN FRONT OF THE CARAVAN PARK at 10:30AM.
MEET PETRA THE PENGUIN FOR SOME EXCITING ACTIVITIES.
FREE COMIC BOOK AND LUNCH. RSVP 082 907 5607 by 30 July for catering purposes.
Bring water, sunscreen, an all-weather jacket, comfortable shoes and a positive attitude. Come join the fun and make a difference to our dorpie and to our planet!
See you there! Bring the family and friends.
