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
To see where Hope Spots are located around the world, go to mission-blue.org
South Africa Hope spots are unique
South Africa is incredibly rich in its marine wealth. In October 2018, the Department of Environmental Affairs announced 20 new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which takes our ocean ‘reserve’ areas around SA to 5%; we already have 19 MPAs. In 2014, Dr Earle came to South Africa to declare six Hope Spots:
Algoa Bay
Hope Spot
Plett
Hope Spot
Cape Whale Coast
Hope Spot
Knysna
Hope Spot
Aliwal Shoal
Hope Spot
False Bay
Hope Spot
What makes our hope spots unique?
They are the only community-based Hope Spots in that they are set where people live, and aim to involve those people in the conservation of these areas.
They aim to ignite human support through involvement and education.
They aim to share information with people so that everyone can appreciate the enormous value of the seas on their front doorstep and to then promote pride.