ALGOA BAY HOT SPOT Launch

Algoa Bay Hope Spot

Algoa bay presents one of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. It is a marine Important Bird Area, hosts more than half of the global population of the Endangered African penguins, is a nursery ground for endangered Great White sharks and southern right whales, harbours large numbers of cetaceans and the sardine run, attracting international TV crews annually. It is the only place on Earth one can spot the big 7. It includes unique and threatened ecosystems, such as the Alexandria dune field, precious estuaries, reefs, coastal fynbos and stromatolites. The marine research in the bay is of the highest international calibre. Port Elizabeth beautiful beachfront and its Blue Flag beaches welcome thousands of international tourists annually.

The launch of the Algoa Bay Hope Spot is a fantastic opportunity for Port Elizabeth and its magnificent shores and marine diversity. It will place Algoa Bay on the international map of the spots for hope (see http://mission-blue.org/), and benefit the city and its inhabitants with cleaner shores and seas to be enjoyed by all, increased responsible touristic opportunities, and additional environmental education programs, which will end up in poverty alleviation.

The Hope Spot is a first step towards healthy oceans and the sustainability of marine life. This first step is taken by the people, all of us, who are lucky enough to live in a Hope Spot. It consists in taking responsibilities for our environment right on our door step.