Pretoria - The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) will host the annual World Oceans Day (WOD) celebrations on Friday at the Umgeni River Mouth (Blue Lagoon estuary and beach) in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The event will serve as a platform to educate the public about the importance of our oceans and emphasise the need to contribute towards its protection through a beach clean-up, which will be led by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Barbara Thomson, and exhibitions by the department’s internal and external stakeholders,” the department said on Monday.
This year’s event will draw attention to the ongoing threats posed by plastic litter to the ocean environment. It will also raise awareness of how litter that is generated in catchment areas can eventually reach the coastline through rivers, storm water drains and sewer outfalls.
The Umgeni estuary is significant not only because of the sensitive mangroves situated along its north bank, but because it is a highly sought after site for camping, recreation and fishing and it connects the Umgeni River to the Indian Ocean.
At the event, the department will also launch the new cycle of the Working for the Coast programme.
The new cycle constitutes a total budget allocation of R303 million, which will run for two years, covering the entire South African coastline from Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape to Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.
This programme and related projects will generate approximately 2 407 work opportunities and 5 526 fulltime equivalent over two years.
“WOD is commemorated globally on 8 June and is aimed at appreciating, protecting, restoring and honouring ecosystem services and resources provided by our oceans,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
