WILDOCEANS Marks 9 Years of Protecting Oceans and Empowering Communities

Photo Credit: WILDOCEANS via Facebook

For nine years, WILDOCEANS has been turning a commitment to marine conservation into action by protecting coastal spaces, empowering communities, and inspiring the next generation of ocean champions.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (04 August 2026) – A new month has begun, and for WILDOCEANS, it also marks a special milestone: its 9^th birthday!

Formally established in August 2017, WILDOCEANS, the marine programme of WILDTRUST, is deeply committed to coastal and marine conservation, as well as the emerging Blue Economy.

Over the past nine years, the programme has focused on expanding the conservation and restoration of marine spaces, safeguarding endangered species, and empowering communities to become stewards of ocean health.

This vital work is carried out through a range of impactful projects, including livelihood and job creation initiatives, women- and youth-centred capacity building, ocean literacy and education, infrastructure development, and co-management systems that unlock social licence and build trust.

Through its youth movements, WILDOCEANS is also helping to nurture the next generation of African conservation leaders.

Just recently, WILDTRUST’s Ocean Literacy Training Coordinator, Ndabenhle Manzini, facilitated an engaging ocean literacy training session at Occi Lodge in Sodwana Bay, followed by a practical field session at the Sodwana Bay Rocky Shores. The training brought together library officers from the KwaDapha, eNkovukeni, and Mabibi Community Resource Hubs, along with the team from uMhlazi Community Resource Hub.

Participants explored ocean processes, marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the vital role oceans play in regulating the Earth’s climate. They also strengthened their understanding of the links between healthy oceans, sustainable livelihoods, and effective conservation.

The training further covered surface and deep-ocean currents, as well as the impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and small-scale fishing communities. During the practical session, participants gained first-hand experience of the rocky shore ecosystem, reinforcing the concepts discussed in the classroom.

Beyond community-based training, WILDOCEANS also partners with government and policymakers to reinforce institutional capacity and support delivery on national and regional ocean commitments. It also collaborates with a wide-reaching network of researchers, partner organisations, policy actors, and donors to deliver impact rooted in local contexts.

As it marks this nine-year milestone, the organisation has thanked every role player and contributor who has been part of the journey and helped protect the ocean for generations to come.

“It has been nine years of purpose, partnership, and conservation in action, made possible by our dedicated team, the communities we work alongside, and the partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in a future where people and nature thrive together. Here’s to the next chapter of creating lasting impact.”