Aliwal Shoal chosen as one of the first Hope Spots

DR. SYLVIA EARLE TO UNVEIL ALIWAL SHOAL AS ONE OF THE FIRST SIX SOUTH AFRICAN HOPE SPOTS

This December, South Africa welcomes to its shores legendary marine conservationist and oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle. During her years at the forefront of ocean exploration and scientific discovery, Dr. Earle has achieved a long list of impressive accolades- including  being awarded the TED Prize in 2009. This prize takes the form of a bursary awarded each year to an individual with a vision to change the world for the better. 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.

Dr. Earle’s imminent visit to this country heralds the launch of the first six South African Hope Spots, which she will be promoting during the course of a ten day tour that begins in Cape Town on December 4th. The six locations chosen as South Africa’s flagship Hope Spots are False Bay, the Cape Whale Coast, Knysna, Plettenburg Bay, Algoa Bay; and finally, KwaZulu-Natal’s own Aliwal Shoal, which will be the final destination on Dr. Earle’s upcoming tour. On December 12th,  Dr. Earle will attend the official launch event of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot, due to take place at uShaka Sea World Education Centre. At the event, Dr. Earle will not only deliver a lecture on the Hope Spot initiative, but will also launch the coffee table book being released in conjunction with the Hope Spot tour by Sustainable Seas Trust (SST). SST is the coordinating body of the South African Hope Spots, and the driving force behind Dr. Earle’s December tour.

Proceeds from the book, which acts as a photographic celebration of South Africa’s marine resources, will go directly towards funding the education projects that are an integral part of all six Hope Spots. Dr. Earle will be joined by other influential speakers at the uShaka event- including SST’s CEO, Dr. Tony Ribbink; and Judy Mann, Conservation Strategist, SAAMBR. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening, attended by some of the most distinguished luminaries of the marine conservation world. During her time in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr. Earle will also conduct a dive at Aliwal Shoal itself, and hold meetings with biologists, conservationists, divers, surfers, school children and local authorities.

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, whilst 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 http://www.sst.org.za/hope-spots

For more information about the event on December 12th, please contactJessica@SAAMBR.ORG.ZA