An unexpected and exciting encounter with a well-camouflaged octopus became the highlight of an unforgettable morning for ten members of Scottburgh High School’s Enviro Club as they took part in the Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot Youth Ambassador Programme at the Park Rynie tidal pool on Saturday, 27 June.
Under the guidance of Enviro Club teacher Mrs Govender, the learners explored the rocky reef during an interactive guided snorkel session, observing colourful reef fish, corals and other marine life before spotting an octopus expertly camouflaged among the rocks. For many, it was the first time experiencing the ocean beneath its surface, transforming classroom lessons into a living, breathing ecosystem.
The programme introduced learners to the remarkable biodiversity found along KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline while exploring the importance of a healthy ocean, the role of Marine Protected Areas, the impact of plastic pollution and the vital connection between rivers, estuaries and the sea.
The participating learners were:
Nathanael Chetty, Runyararo Kambarami, Thobile Ngcobo, Sarah Sukanandan, Andrea Francis, Sadie Naidoo, Taryn Moodley, Kaiyur Naidoo, Lia Gangoo and Lethokuhle Mthimkhulu.
Beyond the snorkelling experience, the learners were encouraged to become ambassadors for the ocean by sharing what they had learned with their families, friends and wider communities.
Claire Taylor, Co-Champion of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot and Mission Blue Youth Ambassador Programme Lead for Wild Alliance Africa, said:
“You cannot protect what you don’t know or love. Giving these young people the opportunity to experience the ocean firsthand creates a lasting connection that extends far beyond the shoreline and for years to come.
They return home inspired, and, often influencing the consumer choices their families make, they become ambassadors for the ocean within their own communities.
Every child we reach has the potential to create a ripple effect that benefits our marine environment for generations to come.”
The Mission Blue Hope Spot network, founded by renowned oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle, identifies and champions over 169 marine areas around the world that are critical to the health of the world’s ocean. Hope Spots bring together local communities, scientists and conservation organisations to protect these special places while contributing to the global goal of protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
In less than a year, the Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot Youth Ambassador Programme has introduced more than 150 children and young people, many from underserved communities, to the wonders of the ocean through immersive, hands-on conservation education. The programme is sponsored by Mission Blue and implemented by Wild Alliance Africa.
Russel Symcox, Founder of Wild Alliance Africa and Lead Champion of the Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot, said:
“The future of our ocean depends on the choices young people make today. By giving them meaningful experiences in nature, we are nurturing future conservation leaders who understand both the beauty and the fragility of our marine environment.
We are incredibly grateful to the team at Mission Blue for investing in this programme and helping us inspire the next generation of ocean custodians.”
The Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot Youth Ambassador Programme continues to grow, creating opportunities for young South Africans to discover the ocean, build environmental stewardship and become active custodians of one of the world’s most significant marine ecosystems.
The programme’s continued success is made possible through the generous support of our valued sponsoring partners ScubaXcursions, DAN South Africa, Rob Allen Wetsuits and Umdoni Municipality.