First UN World Wildlife Day focuses on oceans
FOR the first time, UN World Wildlife Day, marked yesterday, focused on life below water to raise awareness about the breath-taking diversity of marine life, the crucial importance of marine species to human development, and how humans can make sure the ocean will continue to provide these benefits for future generations.
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, and the UN Development Programme, celebrated World Wildlife Day under the theme “Life Below Water: For People for Planet”.
The ocean contains nearly 200 000 identified species, but actual numbers may be in the millions.
According to the UN, the global market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at $3 trillion (R42trillion) a year, about 5% of global GDP.
DEA spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said as part of South Africa’s efforts to protect the ocean and the marine life in it, the department was in the process of gazetting a network of 20 new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) representative of South Africa’s rich coastal and ocean biodiversity.
Cabinet approved the network of 20 new MPAs in October and this will considerably advance South Africa’s efforts to protect its ocean heritage for future generations.
They will contribute to fisheries’ sustainability, advance marine ecotourism and help to maintain resilience in ecosystems under stress from climate change.
This will increase ocean protection within the South African Exclusive Economic Zone to 5%.
MPAs provide some protection and stability to important habitats, and provide a range of advantages for the different economic sectors. They also contribute to growing marine ecotourism by providing a well-managed natural habitat for marine wildlife such as whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, turtles and sea birds for tourists and South Africans alike to experience.
“South Africa is also mindful of its longer-term commitments to the protection of marine biodiversity, including meeting the 2020 Global Target in the Decadal Plan of the UN Convention of Biodiversity, which stands at 10%,” Nqayi said.
The UN World Wildlife Day is the global celebration of the many beautiful and varied forms of wild animals and plants on our planet, as well as an occasion to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits they provide to people and the urgent need to reduce the threats facing them.
“Another effort the DEA is making to protect marine wildlife is by combating marine litter, which is one of the biggest threats to the livelihood of marine wildlife.
“World Wildlife Day celebrations take place as South Africa prepares to launch the presidential initiative, Good Green Deeds campaign, which seeks to prioritise litter-free and no dumping behaviour,” Nqayi said.
World Wildlife Day is the global celebration of the many beautiful and varied forms of wild animals and plants on our planet