Members of a new internship programme designed to strengthen local conservation capacity in one of the country’s most important Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the KZN South Coast.
Image: Supplied
Just 5km offshore from the picturesque Umkomaas, the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA) stands as one of the world's premier diving locations, famed for its stunning biodiversity. However, this treasured ecosystem faces a critical challenge: a lack of community involvement in conservation and protection efforts. In an inspiring response to this issue, the newly launched Aliwal Shoal Leadership Programme is paving the way for local young adults to join the fight for the environment.
Founded and led by renowned marine scientist Dr Michelle Carpenter, the Aliwal Shoal Leadership Programme aims to equip aspiring conservationists with the essential knowledge and experience needed to safeguard this vital marine area for future generations. Funded by the Rufford Foundation and supported administratively by Wild Alliance Africa, the initiative provides remarkable opportunities in marine science, citizen science, environmental education, and ocean advocacy.
“Aliwal Shoal is one of the most extraordinary marine environments in South Africa, yet many local people have never had the opportunity to experience it or become involved in its protection," said Dr Carpenter. “Over time, I realised there was significant interest from young South Africans wanting to enter the marine conservation field, but very few pathways available to them. This programme was created to bridge that gap and build local capacity where it is desperately needed.”
Aliwal Shoal has been protected as an MPA since 2004, a necessary step to counteract the threats that emerged from overfishing and the aquarium trade. Marine Protected Areas play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health, which in turn supports climate regulation, oxygen production, and food security for billions worldwide.
With its unique biogeographic position, Aliwal Shoal is where tropical and temperate marine ecosystems converge, creating a hub of exceptional biodiversity. It serves as critical habitat for numerous threatened and protected species, including ragged-tooth sharks, dusky sharks, sea turtles, and endangered rays such as the Shorthorned Pygmy Devil Ray. By protecting critical habitats and ensuring the resilience of marine ecosystems, MPAs like Aliwal Shoal are vital for safeguarding ecological processes crucial to ocean health.
Aspiring conservationists receive scuba diving training as part of their training in marine conservation, monitoring, education, and stewardship.
Image: Supplied
The Aliwal Shoal Leadership Programme currently supports 13 participants hailing from local communities, a significant increase spurred by widespread interest beyond the initial funding provision for just five placements. So far, participants have completed an array of training modules including:
These interns are not only gaining important skills but are also developing independent projects on various marine conservation topics, with focuses on the importance of sharks and the detrimental impacts of shark nets and drumlines on marine species.
"This programme shows that passion and practical training can create meaningful opportunities for people to contribute to marine conservation," Dr Carpenter said. "At the same time, Aliwal Shoal benefits from having more eyes, ears, and hands actively involved in protecting this globally important ecosystem.”
Participants have already begun applying their newfound expertise through community outreach initiatives. They are engaging local residents in understanding marine conservation, gathering crucial data that informs future management decisions. Activities have included:
Meara-Quinn Candy, a current intern, expressed the impact of the programme: "Our ocean, and the environment in general, need more advocates to be the voice that they lack. These programmes give us the ability to be that voice and contribute to something greater than us.”
With growing interest in the Aliwal Shoal Leadership Programme, potential participants, sponsors, and supporters are encouraged to reach out and contribute to this important conservation initiative. By investing in the local capacity for marine protection, the long-term success of Aliwal Shoal and its irreplaceable ecosystems can be ensured.
Follow Dr Michelle Carpenter on Instagram @mobulidmich | YouTube Living Blue. Stay updated on the Ocean Leaders on Instagram @aliwalshoal.oceanleadership. For more about MPA Day, an international celebration of Marine Protected Areas, visit www.mpaday.org.
IOS