SPONSORS
The key focus of the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) is the protection of bathers against shark-related incidents on protected beaches along the KZN coastline. Since the inception of the programme in 1952 there hasn’t been a single fatal shark attack at any protected beach in the last 70 years. Through the provision of a safe bathing environment the activities of the KZNSB directly support the tourism sector in KZN which is valued at approximately R10bn and employs 200,000 people. Although not all is attributable to coastal tourism, the majority of infrastructure in the province is associated with coastal resorts. The vision of the Sharks Board is “Environmentally sensitive and innovative bather protection against shark-related incidents, which promotes tourism and enhances inclusive economic growth.” This vision reflects the need for the work of the Sharks Board to be undertaken in a way that protects both bathers and the environment, as far as possible.
If you would like to know more about the history and activities of the KZNSB, please visit https://www.shark.co.za/
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs is mandated to oversee the socio-economic transformation in the province. It therefore leads the policy and strategic initiatives directed at promoting development and growth in various sectors of the economy. However, to achieve its objectives, the Department must co-operate with various stakeholders and social partners that include the private sector and civil society. National and provincial legislative, policy and strategic frameworks guide the operations of the Department. Some of the national acts that are critical to the operations of this portfolio are the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, particularly Schedule 6 which stipulates the competences of the provincial government on matters of economic development and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) among other sector specific acts.
If you would like to know more about the important work of this Department, please visit https://www.kznedtea.gov.za/
The Save Our Seas Foundation, since 20023 has been dedicated to protecting life in our oceans, especially sharks and rays. The Foundation supports passionate and innovative researchers, conservationists and educators around the globe by funding their projects and helping them to tell important scientific and environmental stories. Their centres in South Africa, Seychelles and the USA are dedicated to learning about sharks and rays and sharing that knowledge.
For more information on this incredible Foundation please visit https://saveourseas.com/
The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) is an internationally recognised centre for the study of aquatic biodiversity. Located in Makhanda (Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape, SAIAB is a national Facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and serves as a major scientific resource for knowledge and understanding the biodiversity and functioning of globally significant aquatic ecosystems. SAIAB’s science focuses on the full spectrum of aquatic environments: from marine offshore to continental freshwater catchments. Research covers ecology and conservation biology that links biodiversity at molecular and organism levels with the environment and genetic and species diversity.
For more information on the fascinating work of SAIAB please visit https://www.saiab.ac.za/