Shaakira Davood is the standing Chairperson of Youth4MPAs, which encourages more youth to get involved in Marine Protected Areas.
South Africa (14 July 2024) – In the build-up to the 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebration on 1 August 2024, some of the younger MPA community have shared their unique insights into the world of conservation. In addition to the vital contribution MPAs play in marine life protection, they also serve to create economic opportunities for local citizens, including the youth. Today, we meet Shaakira Davood.
If you didn’t know, Marine Protected Areas Day (MPA Day) started off as a local celebration. In 2022, it grew into a global day to be proud of. So, what is it all about? According to Dr Judy Mann, the Founder of MPA Day, a lot of people don’t know what an MPA is.
An MPA is a defined region designated and managed for the long-term conservation of marine resources, ecosystem services, and cultural heritage. You can find 12 other fast facts about MPAs here.
“Community support is vital for the protection of our Marine Protected Areas. To build this support we need to showcase the value – environmental, economic, and social – of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’,” explained Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
“This is best expressed by those who are experiencing the benefits themselves, which is why the youth in MPA management have chosen to share their stories.” ‘These young people are future leaders and through MPA Day we are trying to give them support and encouragement as they find their voices in conservation.” She added.
We meet Shaakira Davood (23), the Chairperson of Youth4MPAs. She is also working with shark and ray sanctuaries in several MPAs. She shares how she got involved in protecting marine spaces and what her proudest moment has been since starting.
How did you get involved?
Youth4MPAs is open to the general youth through www.youth4mpas.com and various youth engagements.
What is your role?
Youth4MPAs is a youth-led organisation that advocates for the proclamation and expansion of MPAs. Our mission is to capacitate, encourage, and support youth voices that educate and create awareness about ocean health, protection, and sustainability while building youth capacity and strategic relationships across Africa.
Do you work with other South African youth?
We work with youth activists, social scientists, and research scientists aged 16 to 35 across South Africa from all walks of life.
What is your proudest moment?
This year, Youth4MPas was invited to participate in the South African Youth Biodiversity Networks, International Biodiversity Days /Youth Article. Youth4MPAs in partnership with WILDOCEANS, a programme of WILDTRUST, held the first-ever virtual African Youth Summit in August 2021 where more than 500 African youth came together for two days to unpack ocean protection. The youth engaged in sessions with experts and other youth leaders in the marine conservation, policy, campaigning, and creative arts professions to identify and develop tailor-made solutions for Africa’s marine space, its people, and future generations. We are also involved in outreach activities such as MPA Day.
Join in on all the MPA Day 2024 action by visiting MPA Day for updated events and activities
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