The Minister of Environmental Affairs Mrs. Edna Molewa, will lead the launch of the National Marine Week, on Monday, 5 October 2015, in Polokwane, Limpopo. The National Marine Week is an awareness campaign that is celebrated annually during the second week of October.
The objective of the campaign is to create awareness of the oceans and coastal environment in order to promote sustainable use and conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.
This year’s campaign is celebrated under the theme: “Oceans 70/20: Decoding Mysteries, Maximising Opportunities.” Oceans are often mysterious, unexplored and full of wonder. There are many discoveries waiting to be made – benefits and influences, scientific discoveries and innovations. These mysteries need to be deciphered and uncovered, in order to show ordinary citizens, how they can play a role in their daily lives.
Our oceans serve as a vast natural resource and South Africa as a developing country needs to utilise marine resources sustainably. It is for this reason that the South African government launched the Operation Phakisa: Ocean Economy initiative, roughly a year ago during the National Marine Week. National Marine Week is also an opportunity to advocate and educate the public of this important initiative.
This year’s campaign will therefore include public exhibitions that showcase the wonders of the ocean and its opportunities. The week-long exhibitions will begin on Monday, 5 October 2015 and end Saturday, 10 October 2015.
Members of the media are invited to join the launch as per the details below.
Venue: Bolivia Lodge, Limpopo
Date: 5 October 2015
Time: 10h30
To RSVP, contact:
Sivuyile Ngaba
Cell: 071 403 5294
E-mail: sngaba@environment.gov.za
Natalie Johnson
Tel: 021 441 2766
E-mail: njohnson@environment.gov.za
For enquiries, contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
