Page 131 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 131
131
What contributions to marine
conservation has Underwater Africa
made in the past year?
GW:
All our work is exciting, but recently Underwater
Africa has been working tirelessly in conjunction with
the local fishing communities to set up Community
Marine Protected Areas within the Inhambane Estuary,
which is most exciting of all. Together, we have
managed to close off and protect key marine breeding
grounds within all the mangrove forested areas from
small-scale fishing with gill nets and mosquito nets,
and stop the destruction of mangroves for building
materials, allowing all marine species to breed and
thrive within this beautiful breeding habitat. The results
are already showing and the local communities are
really excited to see some of the fish stocks returning
after a very short period.
What sets Underwater Africa apart
from other marine conservationists?
GW:
For the past 15 years, our dedicated team of marine
scientists have strived daily to increase awareness, not
only in the ocean, but also on land. We have started a
beach clean-up programme that our volunteers assist
with every week where we identify which plastics are
showing up on our beaches and try to identify their
origin and/or source of disposal.
Unlike other conservationists, we are also heavily
involved with the youth as we know that the younger
generation is the future of our success in Mozambique.
Through engagement with our volunteers, even if it
is only for a short time, the children are exposed to
people from many different countries and walks of life.
This is not only an exciting experience for children, it
also makes them aware that there is so much more to
the world they live in and understand how important
it is to protect their immediate marine areas. Overall,
we endeavour to encourage exposure, education and
change one person at a time.
What contributions to marine
conservation has Underwater Africa
made in the past year?
GW:
All our work is exciting, but recently Underwater
Africa has been working tirelessly in conjunction with
the local fishing communities to set up Community
Marine Protected Areas within the Inhambane Estuary,
which is most exciting of all. Together, we have
managed to close off and protect key marine breeding
grounds within all the mangrove forested areas from
small-scale fishing with gill nets and mosquito nets,
and stop the destruction of mangroves for building
materials, allowing all marine species to breed and
thrive within this beautiful breeding habitat. The results
are already showing and the local communities are
really excited to see some of the fish stocks returning
after a very short period.
What sets Underwater Africa apart
from other marine conservationists?
GW:
For the past 15 years, our dedicated team of marine
scientists have strived daily to increase awareness, not
only in the ocean, but also on land. We have started a
beach clean-up programme that our volunteers assist
with every week where we identify which plastics are
showing up on our beaches and try to identify their
origin and/or source of disposal.
Unlike other conservationists, we are also heavily
involved with the youth as we know that the younger
generation is the future of our success in Mozambique.
Through engagement with our volunteers, even if it
is only for a short time, the children are exposed to
people from many different countries and walks of life.
This is not only an exciting experience for children, it
also makes them aware that there is so much more to
the world they live in and understand how important
it is to protect their immediate marine areas. Overall,
we endeavour to encourage exposure, education and
change one person at a time.
