Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations
CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.
Now in its fifth year, MPA Day is a growing international movement dedicated to raising awareness about the role of MPAs in conserving biodiversity, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring long-term ocean health. First launched in South Africa in 2021, the date commemorates the historic proclamation of 20 new or expanded MPAs in South Africa on 1 August 2019, a significant milestone in marine protection.
This year’s theme, “Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection,” emphasises the role people play in successful marine conservation with over 90 events set to be held in more than 25 countries. A comprehensive list of events can be found here: MPA Day 2025 Events.
CapeNature manages seven of South Africa’s 42 MPAs, in addition to four nearshore islands and 13 estuaries, many of which are not formally designated as MPAs but contribute significantly to the country’s marine and coastal protected estate.
Marine Protected Areas are the underwater indicators of a healthy environment. MPAs are more than just lines on a map; they are part of a living network that depends on science, enforcement, partnerships, and above all, people. MPA Day is a reminder that a healthy ocean starts with informed and engaged communities who are part of the marine protection solution.
CapeNature collaborates closely with partners, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), universities, conservation NGOs, and research institutions, to carry out regular monitoring across protected coastal areas. These efforts track biodiversity, monitor threats, and inform adaptive management in the face of challenges like overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
Join the conversation and show your support by using #MPADay2025 and #LetsTalkMPAs on social media.
Related News
Exploring the hidden world of fynbos frogs
A recent grant from the Herpetological Association of Africa enabled the investigation of the taxonomically confusing species of Ghost Frogs. Ghost Frogs (Family Heleophrynidae) are an endemic family of frogs that diverged from all other frogs 100 million years ago. These specialised frogs typically inhabit fast-flowing headwater habitats.
Where water flows, equality grows on World Water Day 2026
In recent months, communities across the Western Cape have been confronted with increasing water shortages and climate related disruptions. Communities reliant on smaller reservoirs and surface water systems, demonstrate the region’s vulnerability to low rainfall, the impact of alien invasive trees in removing water from natural systems, ageing water infrastructure and rising consumption.
Environmental education gets a boost through CapeNature’s museum training
CapeNature has partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS): Museum Services to expand environmental education across the Western Cape. During February 2026, CapeNature’s Learning and Awareness team trained 18 museum staff members from DCAS affiliated institutions to deliver activity-based programmes focused on water conservation
Western Cape marks World Wildlife Day as CapeNature highlights climate resilience and sustainable living
The Western Cape is marking World Wildlife Day on 3 March, a day proclaimed by the United Nations, by reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable development, with CapeNature playing a central role in conserving the province’s natural heritage.
CapeNature Cubs Club Connect 2026 makes a splash with water-themed family fun
Scores of children and their families flocked to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve over the weekend to take part in a day of learning, laughter and connection in nature as part of CapeNature’s Cubs Club programme. Around 70 children and their families took part in the Cubs Club Connect 2026 event to celebrate this year’s theme, Water.
JOINT STATEMENT: Final Action Plan for baboons includes a sanctuary, fencing, and more
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, welcomes the judgment from the Western Cape High Court which allows the three authorities to continue with the implementation of the Action Plan for the management of the Chacma baboon population.