Youth4MPAs
Region
Africa
Country
South Africa
Flyway
East Africa – Central Asia flyway
Initiative
WLI Africa
About
Name of organisation
Youth4MPAs
Funding support
N/A
Number of staff
10
Number of visitors per year
530
Overall aims of the centre
To capacitate, encourage and educate the general public and youth about ocean health, protection with communities and local indigenous people in mind, while supporting youth voices and building youth capacity and professional and/or strategic relationships within the African continent and global citizens.
Description of the centre
The organisation has 530 general members, which include members from outside of South Africa and Africa. We advocate for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in South Africa through activities such as campaigns, marine awareness, clean ups, youth empowerment trainings and workshop. We host different events in different regions closer or with MPAs.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Advocating for MPAs expansion with inclusion of local people. Raise Awareness about MPAs and Marine Wildlife, Educate through trainings, workshops and school outreach, environmental awareness campaigns.
Top three successes
1. Mobilized Youth March and went to submit memorandum to stop Shell from conduction seismic survey along the coast.
2. Maziwe 30x30 : Campaign where we also marched to the street with different messages highlighting why South African Government must also get involved in strategic planning of conserving 30% of global biodiversity before 2030.
3. Hosting educational events, trainings and workshop that raise awareness about MPAs and marine wildlife conservation from 2018 until now which has benefited a lot of young people. The organisation has also provided work and leadership experience to more than 20 early career marine scientist through participating as steering committee of the Youth4MPAs.
Top three challenges
1. Young people have the capacity to lead when given enough trainings, guidance and freedom to express their ideas.
2. Youth projects done by the youth for the youth have high chances to succeed.
3. Social media tools are very impactful in addressing environmental challenges.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools
Visitor centres
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning.
Contact
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