The Wavescape Surf and Ocean Festival in Cape Town is celebrating its 20th year, championing conservation, community development, and surfing culture. With outdoor screenings, beach cleanups, and discussions, the festival has raised almost R7 million for ocean charities and showcases unique surfboards created by talented artists. Spearheaded by Director Shani Judes, the festival is a beacon of celebration and advocacy, resonating strongly with oceanconscious communities and brands. As it evolves and innovates, the Wavescape Surf and Ocean Festival remains an indispensable event for surfers and marine enthusiasts alike.
I Am Water is a nonprofit organization that aims to preserve the oceans’ integrity through education and captivating underwater explorations. Their strategy is to promote proximity to the ocean, raise awareness, and advocate for conservation. The organization offers Ocean Guardians Workshops, River Guardians Workshops, and School Speaking Series that focus on personal and professional growth and inspiring peers. I Am Water’s coaching community, consisting of marine scientists, lifeguards, and conservation advocates, undergoes regular training to promote personal and professional growth, fostering leadership and inspiring peers.
Cape Town’s urban landscapes were transformed into lively murals advocating for ocean conservation and community activism through Sea Walls South Africa, an initiative by the PangeaSeed Foundation in collaboration with the Save Our Seas Foundation. The event brought together 18 muralists to address urgent marine issues such as plastic waste and community involvement in protecting marine life. The murals serve as educational devices advocating for ocean care through imaginative storytelling and embody the concept of ‘artivism’, symbolizing the transformative power of art in inciting change.
Taking a deep dive into the world’s oceans, readers can embark on a new adventure with Captain Fanplastic and the Black Mermaid. Authored by Ruben Hazelzet, this captivating book builds a connection between humanity’s inherent bond with the ocean and the urgent issue of marine litter. As a social change expert and leader of the Captain Fanplastic program, Hazelzet steers this literary journey with experiential education, inspiring children to tackle marine pollution.
Nature’s allure often stems from tales of struggle and perseverance that arise within it. One such story involving three young seals and their rescuers, James Suter and Guy Gafney, has recently captivated our hearts and minds. In a world grappling with the escalating menace of plastic waste, this account serves as a touching reminder of how our actions affect the environment and emphasizes the need for collective efforts to preserve marine ecosystems.
On a beautiful Saturday morning, over 300 swimmers will gather at Durban Beach Club to participate in the Ardagh Glass Packaging World Oceans Day Swim. This event is not just an ordinary openwater race, as it holds a deeper purpose, which is to be part of the global movement against pollution and to strive for cleaner oceans.