The City of Cape Town hosted an educational programme and beach clean-up at the Helderberg MPA and commemorated International Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day. There 60 Grade-6 learners from Christmas Tinto Primary School took action to help protect one of the City’s most valuable coastal ecosystems.
Event hosted by the Environmental Management Department of the City of Cape Town on Friday, July 31, 2026. It brought together conservation partners and City teams to inspire young ocean stewards and highlight how everyday actions can help in safeguarding the marine environment.
Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews stated that the Marine Protected Areas are more than just conservation zones. They are vital spaces that protect biodiversity, strengthen our coastal ecosystems and help in securing the health and wellbeing of future generations.
According to Andrews, by investing in environmental education, they are empowering young people to understand that the choices they make every day, whether at home, along the rivers or at the beach, they have a direct impact on the health of their oceans.
Furthermore, the learners took part in interactive educational activities, environmental games and a beach clean-up, reinforcing the 2026 International Marine Protected Areas Day theme i.e. “Celebrating local actions for global impact.”
Deputy Mayor Andrews added that the enthusiasm shown by these learners gives them confidence that the next generation is ready to play its part in protecting the shared natural heritage. By working together with communities, conservation organisations and City departments, they can ensure that these precious ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
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 protect 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 of Cape Town marks International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Further details will be shared closer to the time.