The Youth for Marine Protected Areas (Youth4MPAs) is a movement comprising people from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities but with one common goal, which is to advocate for the proclamation and expansion of old and new marine protected areas (MPAs). The group was formed in 2018 when only 0.4% of South Africa’s ocean was protected and was instrumental, along with other NGOs and the government, in increasing ocean protection to 5.4%. Youth4MPAs is involved in activities that lead to knowledge generation and improved awareness of the ocean and has participated in and held more than 95 activities and events in this regard. These have included hosting Africa’s first Youth Summit in 2021, youth-led webinars, campaigning, short films, poetry, letters to key decision-makers, participation in and attendance at global summits and learning workshops, marches and protests and open dialogues with youth, experts and the government. These activities align with Youth4MPAs’ mission, which is to capacitate and teach the public about ocean health and protection with communities in mind, amplifying the youth’s voice, and developing strategic relationships globally. Youth4MPAs envisions a future where marine life and society benefit from MPAs and aims to empower South African youth to be advocates of nature conservation in support of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The youth action plan was drafted by Youth4MPAs, Justice4Jaws, Ocean Stewards and the youth from the department.
Greatest achievements
- Successfully advocating for the increase of South Africa’s ocean protection from 0.4% to 5.4%.
What advice would you give to future generations?
Caring for our planet isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a privilege. You hold the power to preserve the natural world for those who come after you. By protecting the oceans and conserving biodiversity, you will ensure a thriving environment that will sustain not only marine life but human communities for years to come. Be the generation that honors nature, so future generations can live in harmony with it.