MPA Day 2025 Explodes on the Global Stage with More Than 100 Events!

Photo Credit: DICT

Born from South Africans’ shared belief that our oceans need to be protected, MPA Day has grown to become a truly global celebration, connecting educators, conservationists, artists and all people, whether they live by the sea or far from it.

South Africa (13 August 2025) – In just five years, South African-born environmental awareness event, Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, has grown exponentially, with 2025 marking the most impactful celebration yet.

The numbers have more than doubled since 2024, when around 40 events brought 12 countries together. This year, MPA Day welcomed 31 countries across more than 100 events, all calling for the protection of the ‘nature reserves of the sea’!

Good Things Guy previously shared the awesome line-up of MPA Day events, which were in line with this year’s theme: Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection. The activities sought to connect people to the ocean and bring about conservation awareness around the world. From school pupils and rangers, to community members and artists, scientists and sportspeople, everyone came out in support of MPAs.

Activities included walks along the shore and boat-based activities, cleanups and shore explores, classroom-based activities and film screenings, storytelling, immersive experiences through snorkelling and dives, photographic and art competitions, virtual tours and webinars, television and radio broadcasts, the launch of innovative interactive maps and other resources, seaweed tasting, mangrove planting and so much more.

“We knew that this year’s MPA Day would be big, but we never imagined it would be this big!” commented Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.

“MPA Day is now truly a global celebration as people around the world connected around a unifying belief: we need to protect our oceans.”

Judy went on to thank everyone who made the main event and the following days such a success:

“Seeing all the social media was incredible, because each one represented someone or a team doing something – arranging an activity, writing something, creating a post graphic or a video, a piece of art, doing a run or walk, joining in or supporting from behind the scenes. Ocean care is a team sport, and MPA Day is a perfect example of teamwork.”

While over 35 activities took place in South Africa, this year MPA Day was also celebrated in Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, USA, Spain, UK, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Australia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Tanzania, Egypt, Gambia, Mozambique and Liberia.

Up into northern Mozambique local communities gathered for a day of fun and celebration. Photo Credit: Raquel da Costa

“This year showed that MPA Day is for everyone, whether you live by the sea or far from it. We came together – in person, online, across oceans and time zones. Because when people care enough, the world can’t help but listen — and that’s where real ocean protection can begin. That’s the power of connection. And that’s the hope behind every Marine Protected Area.”,” explained Paul Trouth, Communication Coordinator of PROTECT BALTIC.

Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager for the Two Oceans Aquarium, added that the passion and commitment shown by a diverse range of organisations to hosting events to celebrate MPAs and the ocean was positively overwhelming.

“It was truly wonderful seeing people of all ages and from all walks of life participating in activities that gave them opportunities to show their love and care for the ocean. Just what the ocean needs at this time!”