Welcome to our blue world on the whale coast of South Africa.
Six sites have been specifically chosen to represent the unique marine biodiversity South Africa.
The six special sites chosen as Africa’s first Hope Spots are False Bay, Whale Coast, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Algoa Bay and Aliwal Shoal.
WHAT ARE HOPE SPOTS?
‘Hope Spots are special places that are critical to the health of the ocean.’ ~ Dr Sylvia Earle
They are marine areas of ecological and biodiversity significance around the world. The Hope Spot movement was started by world-renowned oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle to unite global efforts to protect the sea by raising public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas.
WHY ARE THEY CALLED HOPE SPOTS?
These precious areas, whether large or small, provide hope to us all because they possess one or more of these factors:
- a special abundance or diversity of species, unusual or representative species, habitats or ecosystems
- they’re home to particular populations of rare, threatened or endemic species
- they’re sites with the potential to reverse damage from negative human impact
- they are the sites of natural processes such as major migration corridors or spawning grounds
- significant historical, cultural or spiritual values
- they’re home to particular populations of rare, threatened or endemic species
