Join the unified global call to save the ocean by supporting Marine Protected Areas Day this August
Join the unified global call to save the ocean by supporting MPA Day this August
“After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”
– Sir David Attenborough
The ocean is the heart and lungs of the planet, supporting all life on Earth, but the health of the ocean is at risk. Across the world, scientists, governments, and citizens are calling for urgent intervention to limit unsustainable fishing practices, regulate the climate, and save the ocean.
In South Africa, this global movement is supported by MPA Day on 1 August – a co-ordinated effort to support Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and save these ‘nature reserves of the sea’.
“This year, we’ve noted a major increase in the global call for improved ocean conservation, and we’re excited to elevate this call through MPA Day, as well as in celebration of the upcoming World Ocean Day on 8 June,”
commented Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
“It certainly feels like there is momentum building, with more people joining the growing movement to save our ocean. I think the world is realising that the ocean is at a crossroads, and we need to act now.”
Global Movements Calling for Ocean Protection
Ocean Documentary
Sir David Attenborough, the award-winning broadcaster, writer, and naturalist, renowned for his conservation programmes, has brought the health of oceans to prominence with the release of his latest documentary, Ocean With David Attenborough. Coinciding with his 99th birthday, the documentary is a powerful rallying cry to protect the oceans, showcasing dramatic footage of the devastation that fishing practices such as bottom trawling wreak on the seabed and its wildlife.
As Attenborough explains:
“This is the story of our ocean. And how we must write its next chapter together. For if we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure that nothing is more important.”
2025 UN Ocean Conference
Just after World Ocean Day, global leaders will converge in France from 9 to 13 June to discuss the urgent action needed to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. Focusing on the theme Accelerating Action and Mobilizing all Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean, the conference attendees will identify ways to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.
30x30 Global Goal
Also known as Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, the 30x30 Global Goal aims to conserve at least 30% of the Earth's land, inland water, and marine areas by 2030. With less than five years to go, there is increased urgency to achieve what’s been described as the ‘biggest conservation commitment in the world’. There are 190 countries (South Africa among them) committed to achieving this goal, with MPAs a significant contributor to such marine preservation.
10 Ocean Decade Challenges
Another global movement supporting ocean conservation is the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges to strengthen momentum for ocean knowledge-based solutions. The 10 challenges call for individuals to:
1. Understand and beat marine pollution
2. Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity
3. Sustainably nourish the global population
4. Develop a sustainable, resilient and equitable ocean economy
5. Unlock ocean-based solutions to climate change
6. Increase community resilience to ocean and coastal risks
7. Sustainably expand the Global Ocean Observing System
8. Create a digital representation of the ocean
9. Skills, knowledge, technology and participation for all
10. Restore humanity’s relationship with the ocean
MPA Day Activities
Building on the foundation and momentum of World Ocean Day, MPA Day is celebrated on 1 August, encouraging everyone to appreciate the value and benefits of MPAs – Marine Protected Areas - through shared stories, talks, competitions, and ocean-based activities. Started in South Africa and now celebrated across the globe, MPA Day outlines the benefits of these protected ocean spaces for humans, marine animals, and ocean health. These include:
· Protecting breeding and nursery areas to ensure fishery sustainability
· Increased climate resilience
· Job creation and tourism
· Vital research
Join the global movement to protect oceans now by participating in the MPA Day celebrations on 1 August 2025, themed Making Connections. This year’s activities seek to connect people to the ocean and bring conservation awareness to even more people around the world.
