eNews
#04 2024
Engaging coastal communities, fostering ocean connections: Reflecting on National Marine Protected Areas Day through community engagement
By Imtiyaaz Malick, Oceanographic Technician, NRF-SAEON-SMCRI
In celebration of National Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day 2024, the Elwandle Coastal Node and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure (DSTI-SMCRI), in collaboration with South African National Parks (SANParks), hosted a significant community engagement event at the Alexandria Community Hall in the Eastern Cape. This event brought together local fishing communities from Kenton-on-Sea and Alexandria to discuss and reflect on sustainable coastal livelihoods and ocean connections.
The event opened with a warm welcome from the Ward 2 Councillor of Ndlambe Municipality, Phumlani Khungwayo, setting the stage for a day of insightful exchanges. Nkhensani Ngabeni from SANParks led the introductions, after which Imtiyaaz Malick (NRF-SAEON, oceanographic technician) facilitated the first discussion on the theme of ocean connections.
Individuals were invited to share their personal connections to the ocean in the context of their culture, heritage and daily lives. This conversation aimed to explore how individuals within these communities perceive their relationship with the ocean, not only in terms of cultural heritage but also through the lens of their daily activities that tie them to the sea. The dialogue highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the community and the ocean, emphasising the significance of these connections in maintaining sustainable livelihoods.
National Marine Protected Areas Day 2024 brought together local fishing communities from Kenton-on-Sea and Alexandria to discuss and reflect on sustainable coastal livelihoods and ocean connections.
Lalela uLwandle
Following the discussions, Nozipiwo Hambaze, the SAEON Elwandle Node’s science engagement officer, introduced the attendees to the thought-provoking short film documentary Lalela uLwandle: Listen to the Sea. The documentary explores themes of intergenerational environmental injustices, ocean heritage and the myriad threats to ocean health. The film served as a powerful tool for sparking conversation, inviting attendees to reflect on their emotional and intellectual responses to the ocean’s stories.
Lalela uLwandle is more than just a film; it is a research-based theatre project that brings to light the often-overlooked stories of those living in close connection with the ocean. The project, aptly named “Listen to the Sea” in isiZulu, captures the essence of standing quietly by the shore, listening to the ocean’s stories as told by the people who live by it.
This Empatheatre production weaves together the histories, contemporary concerns and environmental challenges faced by South African coastal communities, touching on themes such as intergenerational environmental injustices, intangible ocean heritage and the pressing threats to ocean health. As part of the One Ocean Hub, a global initiative aimed at fostering more democratic engagement in ocean governance, Lalela uLwandle catalyses public dialogue on these critical issues.
The feedback from the groups was both poignant and thought-provoking. One of the key points raised was the urgent need for greater involvement of local communities in the co-management and co-design of Marine Protected Areas.
The groups expressed significant concern about the impact of the oil and gas industry on local marine life, highlighting the dangers these industries pose to the ocean ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Community voices
After viewing the film, attendees were divided into groups to discuss and document their thoughts and concerns regarding the topics it raised, particularly in the context of MPAs in South Africa. These group discussions were a powerful platform for community voices, with each group selecting a representative to share their insights with the larger gathering.
The feedback from the groups was both poignant and thought-provoking. One of the key points raised was the urgent need for greater involvement of local communities in the co-management and co-design of MPAs. Participants emphasised that for MPAs to be truly effective, the communities that are most impacted by them must be regarded as primary stakeholders, actively participating in the decision-making processes.
There was also significant concern expressed about the impact of the oil and gas industry, as well as commercial fisheries, on local marine life, highlighting the dangers these industries pose to the ocean ecosystem and, by extension, the communities that depend on it.
Moreover, the discussions underscored the cultural and livelihood challenges faced by local fishing communities concerning MPAs. The socioeconomic difficulties that come with these protected areas were brought to the forefront, with community members advocating for a more inclusive approach that balances environmental conservation with the needs of those who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.
The group discussions were a powerful platform for community voices and underscored the cultural and livelihood challenges faced by local fishing communities concerning MPAs.
Exploring ocean sciences
Imtiyaaz Malick then presented “The Art of Ocean Observations”, a detailed exploration of Ocean Sciences, covering the various subdisciplines such as Physical, Chemical and Biological Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Astronomy, as well as Marine Biology and Ecology. The presentation delved into the products and relevance of these sciences, demonstrating their critical role in supporting informed decision-making and policy development in marine governance and spatial planning. Imtiyaaz also provided an overview of the techniques, instruments, gear and technologies involved in collecting oceanographic and coastal data, emphasising their importance in crafting decision-support systems.
The engagement concluded with an interactive session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the instruments on display, ask questions and further explore the technologies that play a pivotal role in oceanographic research.
National MPA Day at the Alexandria Community Hall was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the deep and enduring connections between the community and the ocean; and it was an opportunity to listen to the voices of those who live closest to the ocean and to consider their perspectives in the ongoing conversation about marine conservation. Through dialogue, education and interaction, the event fostered a greater understanding of the critical role MPAs play in preserving marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable coastal livelihoods.
As we move forward, continued engagement and collaboration with local communities will be essential in ensuring the success and sustainability of MPAs in South Africa.
SAEON eNews is the bimonthly online newsletter of the South African Environmental Observation Network.
SAEON is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
SAEON serves as a national platform for detecting, translating and predicting environmental change through scientifically designed observation systems and research.