WSU PARTNERS TO RAISE AWARENESS ON MARINE CONSERVATION

WSU celebrated Marine Day in partnership with OR Tambo District Municipality,  King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) to raise awareness about the importance of South Africa’s marine environment.

South Africa’s expansive 3,000-kilometer coastline includes the OR Tambo District Municipality’s distinctive 148-kilometer section along the Wild Coast, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

This year’s Marine Day event at the WSU Mthatha campus highlighted the need for sustainable practices to preserve and utilise this coastline’s resources for future generations.

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Head of Department, Prof Augustine Niba, said: “Participating in Marine Day is essential because it aligns directly with our mission to promote environmental stewardship, education, and sustainable practices. The significance of Marine Day lies in its ability to bring people together to reflect on the impact human activity has on marine environments.”

The aim of hosting Marine Day was to broaden understanding and deepen insights into marine sustainability while integrating the knowledge and skills of WSU’s students and academic staff.

This initiative aligned closely with the District Coastal Management Programme, which focuses on research, environmental education, and awareness about the responsible use of coastal resources.

“WSU plays a critical role in shaping future leaders in the Marine Sciences because it has the laboratories and marine ecologists to train and develop future marine ecologists and raise awareness amongst youth of the KSD about the importance of the Marine Environment,” said Niba.

He added that Marine Day is a yearly event organised by the DFF, OR Tambo District Municipality, and the KSD Local Municipality. They are actively exploring partnerships with stakeholders and recognise that collaborative efforts are essential to advancing the understanding and protection of marine ecosystems.

Hosting Marine Day at WSU emphasised the university’s role in marine research and conservation, bridging the gap between coastal conservation initiatives and academic research.

This initiative strengthened ties with the municipality and highlighted WSU’s commitment to developing student awareness, preparing them to enter marine and environmental fields, and contributing positively to the sustainable use of South Africa’s natural resources.

By Anita Roji