City empowers youth to protect Cape Town’s marine future

01 August 2026

For International Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, the City of Cape Town hosted an educational programme and beach clean-up at the Helderberg MPA, where 60 Grade 6 learners from Christmas Tinto Primary School took action to help protect one of the City's most valuable coastal ecosystems. The event, hosted by the City's Environmental Management Department, on Friday 31 July 2026, brought together conservation partners and City teams to inspire young ocean stewards and highlight how everyday actions can help safeguard our marine environment.

‘Marine Protected Areas are more than conservation zones. They are vital spaces that protect biodiversity, strengthen our coastal ecosystems and help secure the health and wellbeing of future generations. By investing in environmental education, we are empowering young people to understand that the choices they make every day, whether at home, along our rivers or at the beach, have a direct impact on the health of our oceans,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

The learners took part in interactive educational activities, environmental games and a beach clean-up, reinforcing the 2026 International Marine Protected Areas Day theme, "Celebrating local actions for global impact."

‘The enthusiasm shown by these learners gives us confidence that the next generation is ready to play its part in protecting our shared natural heritage. By working together with communities, conservation organisations and City departments, we can ensure these precious ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come,’ added Alderman Andrews.

The Helderberg Marine Protected Area, situated between the Eerste and Lourens River mouths in False Bay, is one of South Africa's 42 nationally declared Marine Protected Areas. Managed by the City of Cape Town, the no-take reserve provides a safe haven for marine life while supporting research, education, recreation and healthy coastal ecosystems.

The programme also highlighted the important connection between land and sea. Waste that is illegally dumped or littered in neighbourhoods can enter rivers and stormwater systems before eventually reaching the ocean, making responsible waste disposal and clean waterways essential to protecting marine environments.

By bringing together conservation organisations and multiple City departments, the event demonstrated that protecting the marine environment is a shared responsibility that depends on collaboration, education and active community participation.

Residents will have another opportunity to take practical action when the City marks International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Further details will be shared closer to the time.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office