We extend our gratitude to the @blueactionfund.org for supporting this important work, and to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority for their invaluable partnership.

Beyond that, the team is investigating how fish diversity correlates with benthic habitat conditions, aiming to uncover deeper insights into the health of this remarkable ecosystem beneath the surface. The data gathered will play a crucial role in advancing marine conservation efforts.

This research is a key part of the iSimangaliso Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Marine Protected Area (MPA) project and focuses on the northern section of the MPA.

The WILDTRUST science team is currently exploring the waters of Sodwana Bay, nestled within the spectacular iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Here, they are diving into vibrant reef systems and conducting underwater visual census (UVC) surveys.

This initiative was made possible by the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project, funded by the @blueactionfund.org.

Reflecting on the workshop, Sinenhlanhla Makhoba from Nyembe, under the Mkhwanazi Traditional Authority, said: “I learned a lot today, especially about the importance of wetlands. I also learned about alien plants and how harmful they are to wetlands, and ways to remove them.”

These included the role of SAWS, how weather forecasts and climate projections are developed, and how this information can help communities better prepare for changing weather conditions.

In attendance were Lucky Dlamini, Thandiwe Gumede, and Bubele Rasmeni from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), who unpacked key topics through practical demonstrations.

The sessions aimed to raise awareness about the critical role wetlands play in supporting ecosystems, improving water quality, and strengthening community resilience to climate change.

WILDTRUST recently conducted interactive Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) workshops in the Nyembe and Nqutshini communities.

Orange speech bubble with "Let's Talk BBNJ" beside text: "Get updates from the High Seas Alliance and the global effort to protect our shared ocean." Background features a blue world map. Text at bottom: "Subscribe to our Newsletter." High Seas Alliance logo in the corner.

Exciting news!

We will soon be launching our newsletter, “Let’s Talk BBNJ,” where we’ll be sharing updates on our work to protect the High Seas.

Stay tuned for the release of our first edition. Subscribe now: mailchi.mp/741c1975d832/high-seas-a...

South Africa is home to an extraordinary number of endemic marine species - found nowhere else on Earth. Protecting our endemic sharks and rays means protecting our heritage.

Read more here: web.facebook.com/share/p/1U4A...

Pictured: Pyjama shark
Image credits: Steve Benjamin | Animal Ocean

Gender Success Stories: iSimangaliso MPA and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project

Duduzile Sibiya

Read more here: lifestyleandtech.co.za/just-life/ar...

The project is made possible through the generous support of ICONIQ Ocean Co-Lab, Oceans 5, and the Blue Action Fund.

𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗼 𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗮́𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗮𝗰̧𝗮̃𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗰̧𝗮̃𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗼 YouTube video by Parque Nacional de Maputo

The latest from Mozambique 🇲🇿...
#PeaceParcs #Adra @oceancecilia.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDC2...

The initiative is also supported by the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project, funded by the @blueactionfund.org, and the seedlings were generously donated by TWK Agri and Sunshine Seedlings.

The beneficiaries expressed great excitement upon receiving the seedlings and immediately committed to planting them. The initiative offers meaningful support to households by strengthening food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting environmental sustainability.

It was all smiles yesterday as beneficiaries of the Light Foundation household garden programme received vegetable seedlings delivered by WILDTRUST’s Vusumzi Tsipa. With the planting season now underway following intense summer rains and heatwaves, the timing could not have been better.

To learn more about the Ocean Stewards Project or the application process, email Kirsten McClean at kirstenm@wildtrust.co.za. Applications close on 13 March 2026 at 16:30 (COB).

“As a Social Sciences graduate, I can proudly say the programme helped to solifidy my passion for marine conservation, particularly the aspects that allowed me to explore community engagement and working closely with people,” said Nosipho Biyela.

They shared insights from their time in the programme, highlighting opportunities in fieldwork, marine research, community engagement, and conservation advocacy.

The campaign was spearheaded by marine biologist and Ocean Stewards Project Coordinator Kirsten McClean, alongside Nosipho Biyela and Luyanda Ndaba, all programme alums.

The Ocean Stewards Project, supported by the WILDOCEANS programme of WILDTRUST, launched its 2026 recruitment campaign through a series of sessions at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Zululand and online, aimed at inspiring the next generation of marine conservation leaders.

This initiative is supported by the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project, funded by the @blueactionfund.org

Sibongile Ntuli, a community member, shared her appreciation: “Today made my day! I learned new techniques and equipment, and receiving free equipment is a blessing. Thank you, WILDTRUST, for thinking of us.”

Participants were introduced to alternative cooking solutions, such as rocket and gas stoves, and gained practical, hands-on experience using the equipment. These approaches help lower fuel consumption, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.

As part of the initiative, the team distributed energy-efficient cooking equipment, including hot boxes and cast-iron pot sets, while showcasing climate-smart cooking approaches.

Recently, WILDTRUST, led by Nonduduzo Mkhize, hosted an Efficient Cooking Demonstration session at the Mabibi Community Resource Hub located in iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, to strengthen food security for vulnerable households.

Let’s celebrate and safeguard the ocean’s living treasures, because when nature thrives, we all thrive.

Kelp is considered medicinal due to its numerous health benefits. It's known for its high iodine content, which is essential for healthy thyroid function. In addition, kelp is rich in important nutrients, packed with antioxidants, supports digestive health, and may assist with weight management.

Often called the backbone of marine ecosystems, kelp forests provide shelter and food for a diverse range of underwater species, supporting rich biodiversity beneath the waves. But kelp’s value extends far beyond the ocean.