The South Africa WIOMPAN Chapter was officially launched on February 26–28, 2024, in East London, under the theme “Towards Strengthening Marine Protected Areas in the Region”. This initiative, supported by WIOMSA and WildTrust, marks a key step in fortifying the management and capacity of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Western Indian Ocean region.
Highlights of the Chapter Launch
The hybrid event, attended by 35 participants, including representatives from government, NGOs, academia, and private conservation entities, culminated in the establishment of the South Africa WIOMPAN Chapter Committee. Mr. Mbulelo Dopolo (DFFE) was appointed interim Chair, and WWF-SA will serve as the treasury.
Key objectives include enhancing MPA management through professionalization, capacity-building, and the implementation of improved Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools (METT). Presentations by SANParks, CapeNature, and other stakeholders emphasized the need for METT Version 3, focused on marine-specific indicators and stakeholder inclusion.
Advancing Regional and Global Targets
Discussions addressed South Africa’s progress on the 30×30 CBD targets, with updates on MPA expansion projects, effective conservation measures, and the integration of ecological connectivity. Presenters highlighted innovative approaches, such as Locally Marine Managed Areas (LMMAs) and collaborative opportunities with international conventions.
Strengthening Partnerships
The event emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including WIOMSA, WWF, and IUCN. Funding models, capacity development, and strategic initiatives were shared to ensure sustainable MPA management and community involvement.
Looking Forward
The chapter’s formation sets the stage for robust conservation efforts. The interim committee will lead for 12 months, prioritizing the refinement of MPA strategies and engagement with WIOMPAN. The meeting concluded with gratitude to WIOMSA and WildTrust for their pivotal roles in this initiative. The South Africa WIOMPAN Chapter is poised to be a cornerstone for marine conservation in the region, fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity building.