Marine protected areas (MPAs) are regarded as the “nature reserves of the sea” – but our precious coastal habitats are under threat. This reality sparked the formation of the MPA Alliance and MPA Day in 2021, spearheaded by a small but dedicated group of South African conservationists and volunteers.
No one imagined that this “little South African campaign that could” would develop into a global movement! MPA Day has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception, adding more countries and enthusiastic converts every year.
When the 2024 event rolled around, against the odds (and defying all expectations), we managed to extend MPA Day beyond its initial modest South African base to be observed in a phenomenal 38 countries globally. And all of this was achieved on zero budget – the only “expenses” on the balance sheet were time, passion and energy!