eNews

#06 2024

IMCC7 in Cape Town: Advancing marine conservation through science, culture and community action

By Dr Kathryn Morrissey and Dr Lara Atkinson, Egagasini Node, NRF-SAEON

The 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC7) was held for the first time on the African continent from October 13–18 in Cape Town, South Africa. This landmark event brought together a diverse community of scientists, conservationists and cultural leaders for a dynamic exchange of ideas to advance global ocean conservation. 

Hosted by the Society for Conservation Biology’s Marine Program, the conference highlighted groundbreaking research, innovative conservation strategies and the pivotal role of social sciences in shaping effective marine management.

SAEON Egagasini scientists, Dr Lara Atkinson and Dr Kathryn Morrissey, highlighted critical initiatives to advance marine invertebrate knowledge and conservation. Dr Atkinson’s presentation, “SeaMap: Making Marine Maps That Matter”, showcased efforts to generate and disseminate foundational biodiversity data, leveraging over 50 000 species occurrence records and 1 200 barcoded invertebrates to inform systematic conservation planning and bolster South Africa’s bioeconomy.

Dr Morrissey’s talk, “Highlighting Genomic Gaps: Insights into South African Deep-Sea Marine Invertebrates and Conservation Approaches”, emphasised the need for genomic baseline data and refined protocols to prioritise research and conservation areas, ensuring the resilience of deep-sea ecosystems in the face of environmental pressures. Together, their work underscores the importance of foundational research and collaborative initiatives in safeguarding South African marine biodiversity.

SAEON Egagasini scientists Dr Lara Atkinson (right) and Dr Kathryn Morrissey at IMCC7, where they presented their work on marine biodiversity and conservation in South Africa.

Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu (third and fourth from left), recipients of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, were celebrated at IMCC7 for their unwavering efforts to protect South Africa’s Wild Coast and its marine biodiversity.

Goldman Environmental Prize 

A standout moment from the conference was the inspiring story of indigenous activists Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu, who successfully led their community to halt seismic testing for oil and gas off South Africa’s Wild Coast in 2022. By mobilising their community and asserting their rights to safeguard their marine environment, Nonhle, Sinegugu and their community members not only defended their ancestral lands but also protected a biodiverse ecosystem, including migratory whales, dolphins and other wildlife, from the harmful effects of seismic exploration. Their efforts to protect the region’s cultural and environmental heritage earned them the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize.

Blending science, cultural expression and interdisciplinary collaboration, IMCC7 celebrated inspiring conservation successes while addressing global and local challenges. This event reinforced the critical role of inclusive, community-centred approaches in safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.