On Friday, 21 February, the Two Oceans Aquarium hosted Mission Blue and Champions from the seven South African Hope Spots. Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue and legendary marine biologist, joined the Hope Spot Champions in celebrating the growing South African Hope Spot network. The event included a collaborative workshop followed by a community celebration in the False Bay Hope Spot on Saturday, 22 February.
“It was an honour to bring together passionate Champions from across the South African Hope Spots network to share knowledge and inspire action for the preservation of these vital marine ecosystems. Together, individuals and communities in these Hope Spots hold the power to conserve and protect the ocean—our life support system,” said Shannon Rake, Hope Spots Programme Manager.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
The workshop marked the first official gathering of all seven South African Hope Spot Champions. Represented organisations included Cape RADD, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Nature, Sharklady Adventures, the Knysna Estuary Research Foundation, Nature’s Valley Trust, ORCA Foundation, Wild Alliance Africa, Sustainable Seas Trust, and Thonga Trails. Each shared their ongoing efforts in their respective Hope Spots and explored opportunities for collaboration.
“The first gathering of South Africa’s Hope Spot Champions along the coastline had practical impact, as we were able to exchange ideas and brainstorm solutions to challenges, as well as providing us with a deeply meaningful opportunity for collaboration and to be inspired and motivated,” said Dr. Judy Mann-Lang, Executive – Strategic Projects, Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
Community Celebration: “My False Bay, My Pride”
The spirit of community and connection was amplified during the “My False Bay, My Pride” celebration on Saturday, 22 February. Led by Loyiso Dunga of Parley for the Ocean and the Seas of Good Hope project, Hope Spot Champions engaged with local custodians of False Bay—fisherfolk, marine biologists, and conservationists—to discuss sustainable ways to safeguard their ocean heritage.
Mark Fitzgibbon of Cape RADD, the event’s MC, guided the day’s activities, which focused on community-driven conservation efforts. Participants took part in rockpool exploring, a mini-beach clean-up, relational mapping, and snorkeling, facilitated by Cape RADD, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Argonaut Science, Ocean Pledge, The Beach Co-op, IOI-SA, Shark Spotters, Captain FanPlastic, Black Girls Rising, and Aonyx Marine Experiences.
“It was great to be a part of the community of False Bay stakeholders coming together for an inspiring day of building a deeper respect, responsibility, and shared stewardship for the blue planet we all call home. Educating the next generation and showing our respects to the elders,” reflected Mike Barron, co-founder of Cape RADD.
A Message of Hope from Dr. Sylvia Earle
A highlight of the day was a moving address by Dr. Sylvia Earle, who expressed her support for the False Bay Hope Spot and its custodians. Through Mission Blue, Dr. Earle continues to inspire global efforts for ocean conservation and sustainability.
“We are honoured that Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue recognise the importance of South Africa’s coastline in the global effort to ensure the health of the ocean. We are privileged to live and work in one of the most diverse regions in the world—not only in terms of biodiversity, but also culturally. We took hope from having the opportunity to connect with the custodians of False Bay and to hear their ocean heritage stories,” said Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Understanding South Africa’s Hope Spots
The South African coastline is home to seven Hope Spots. Six of these—False Bay, the Cape Whale Coast, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Algoa Bay, and Aliwal Shoal—were designated in 2014, while Maputaland, a transboundary Hope Spot spanning both South Africa and Mozambique, was designated in 2024.
Globally, there are currently 165 Hope Spots, scientifically identified as critical areas for ocean health. Each is championed by local conservationists, with Mission Blue providing support through community engagement, communications, expeditions, and scientific and policy advisory.
False Bay: A Jewel in Marine Conservation
False Bay, a renowned tourist attraction and marine biodiversity hotspot, holds great significance as a Hope Spot. It is home to over 3,500 endemic species, including critically endangered African penguins, various shark species, and a variety of seabirds, octopuses, and invertebrates. The bay is also visited by white sharks, orcas, southern right whales, various dolphin species, and Cape fur seals, alongside its magnificent kelp forests.
Most importantly, False Bay is steeped in cultural heritage, serving as a vital source of livelihoods and traditions for its local communities. The Hope Spot designation highlights the need to preserve this special marine ecosystem for future generations while ensuring a balance between conservation and sustainable human activities.
