Vathiswa Bafo gives us valuable insight into what it takes to work in one of South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas (MPA) – She is based in Betty’s Bay.
South Africa (12 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.
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.
Today, we meet Vathiswa Bafo (28) from the Betty’s Bay MPA in the Western Cape. She shares how she got involved and what her role is in helping preserve these Marine Protected Areas.
How did you get involved?
Initially I trained as a marine coastal and community monitor with WWF South Africa and then applied to get involved with a project focusing on saving the African Penguin.
What is your role?
Since August last year, I have been working with CapeNature as a conservation monitor, keeping an eye on the African Penguin colony and other seabirds in the Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area at CapeNature’s Stony Point Nature Reserve. My role is to raise awareness about the declining penguin population through educational talks and data research.
Do you work with other South African youth?
Yes. I work with the Kogelberg Youth Network who want to be the voices in our community. We’re empowering youth with training and awareness programmes. We also collaborate with WWF South Africa, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and CapeNature and recently hosted a Youth Day Career Expo for Grade 10 pupils.
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My proudest moment is generally being part of the team that works towards the goal of saving the African Penguin which is in serious decline. Every morning, I wake up with a positive mindset, knowing that what I do in the colony is my contribution towards saving the species. Another personal moment that I am proud of was when we were doing a coastal patrol and noticed a Kelp Gull that couldn’t fly because it was covered in oil. With the help of the team, I caught the bird and we called the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) who rehabilitated the bird for release a few weeks later.
Join in on all the MPA Day 2024 action by visiting MPA Day for updated events and activities
Sources: Profmed
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