One man will walk along the SA coastlines for 2 whole years, to promote ocean conservation

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Dean Swart plans to spend the next two years walking the coastlines of South Africa and Mozambique to raise awareness for coastal conservation.

Dean Swart refers to himself as just an ordinary 47 year old with a passion for the great outdoors. He says he has a burning need to go out and do something about saving the planet. This is what inspired him to take on the massive task of walking the South African and Mozambique coastlines.

South Africa’s combined coastlines tally to a total of 2,798km’s, ranking as the third largest in Africa. Mozambique comes in fourth with 2,470km’s of coastline.

My main aim is to gather environmental data on the general health of the coast. I plan on achieving this through the collection of plastic pellet samples, photographing the wildlife and recording the levels of plastic pollution.

Above all I wish to raise awareness about our coastal environment and the impact we as humans have on it. I also wish to highlight the plight of our marine animals like sharks and rays.

My other goal is just to share and enjoy the vast expanses of exquisite coastline we are so privileged to have.

Dean has confirmed that there are a few people who have completed the South African coastline trek but he isn’t aware of anyone that has included the shores of Mozambique. The walk won’t be a straight forward and easy one. Dean will have a few challenges may have to face.

The main challenges and possible barrier to success will be things like political stability in Mozambique, the medical risks involved with regard to physical injury and malaria. There is also the risk of crocodiles and treacherous water when crossing the many rivers that empty into the ocean.

Dean has already undergone intensive survival training, wilderness first aid, rescue and navigation courses. There are a few months left before the journey starts in 2018. Now Dean’s focus is on building a support system along his journey, setting up emergency contingency plans, putting resources in place, and securing sponsors.

He also met up with various scientists to ensure he would be collecting valuable data.

As citizens we need to become aware that our past polluting practices are socially unacceptable. We need to stop destroying our environment before we become participants in our own destruction.

Dean is inviting anyone who is interested to meet up with him on his journey. You can join him on the beach nearest to you to hear more about his journey.

When I set out on this adventure come and join me on the beach for a day, walk with me for a day or just come and have a chat. Let me share with you some of the things I will have experienced. Lets do something to make a difference and change our current behaviour towards the environment.

For more information on the 500 sunsets cause check out the website here. Or contact Dean via email here to discuss supporting his journey. We will keep you updated on his journey as soon as he sets off.