32km Walk by Wild Alliance Africa Shines Spotlight on Aliwal Shoal MPA This MPA Day

Focused on Aliwal Shoal MPA, a Mission Blue Hope Spot® near Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast, with a 32km walk from Happy Wanderers Beach to Illovo River is completed by Mark O'Connor, Hein Labuschagne, Steven Green and Russel Symcox — Founder of Wild Alliance Africa, says the organisation.

Joining the team along the way and providing support are Rune Van Zyl (Clansthal), Chris Brown (Kloof), Chris and Jenny Hatton (Clansthal), Claire Taylor (Scottburgh) and Jeff Maulin (Clansthal). During this time, they engage beachgoers about MPAs and record wildlife sightings. Offshore, surfski paddler, Barry Lewin (Ballito) mirrors the route, spotting dolphins, a turtle and whale; while Julian Taylor (Widenham) — Founder of Ocean Warriors — swims around 5km from Scottburgh to Clansthal Conservancy under the Green Point Lighthouse, adds the organisation.

Dr Ryan Daly of the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban, who assisted in the creation of the free digital MPA maps for South Africa, is part of the day's team, and says, "It's a great day to highlight the diversity of MPAs in South Africa and connect to a global stage that recognises the value of MPAs worldwide."

Commenting on the event, Russell Symcox, Founder of Wild Alliance Africa concludes, "While the strong southerly winds and massive swells sadly hampered some of the activities planned, it's important that we make every day MPA Day if we're going to hit that 30x30 target of conserving at least 30% of the land and ocean areas by 2030. Thank you to everyone who came out to support, and we hope that the information shared will make an impact on protecting this and many other MPAs."

For more information, visit www.wildallianceafrica.org. You can also follow Wild Alliance Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor