05 June 2014

The Department of Environmental Affairs will join the rest of the world in celebrating the annual World Oceans Day (WOD) in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 08 June 2014. This year’s WOD is celebrated under the theme: Together we have the power to protect our ocean which recognises the impact of climate change on our oceans and our people. It also seeks to draw attention to the fact that the impact can only be addressed if we stand together.

As part of the celebrations, representatives from the Department of Environmental Affairs will deliver presentations to 250 scholars from the New Brighton area and its surrounding. The presentations will be based on the work of DEA’s Oceans Coasts Branch, aiming to create an interest in the learners to pursue a career in the environment sector.

Following the celebration, the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thompson will engage stakeholders on the implementation of the White Paper on National Environmental Management of the Ocean (NEMO) on Monday 09 June 2014 at the Southern Sun International Hotel, Port Elizabeth.

The NEMO was approved by Cabinet in December 2013, and aims to govern activities and role players with a stake in the ocean, for optimal and sustainable use of the marine environment.

As a result of the growing global interest in the concept of the blue economy and oceans as a resource for unlocking such potential, the South African government is in the process of developing a blue economy strategy. The strategy will enable the government to sustainably harness the abundant resources of the ocean and coastal domain. As part of this process, the government, through DEA, other relevant government departments and Public Entities, has carried out an analysis of the economic opportunities for South Africa. This process is being undertaken in the context of the National Development Plan (NDP), which identified ocean economy as one of the key drivers to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 in South Africa. A number of key areas such as aquaculture, marine transport, offshore oil and gas exploration would be crucial in growing South Africa’s economy, providing well needed jobs and improving prosperity whilst also ensuring environmental sustainability.

DEA Information Sessions

Date: 07 June 2014

Venue: Hoza Hall, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth

Time: 09:00

World Oceans Day Celebrations

Date: 08 June 2014

Venue: Bayworld Aquarium, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth

Time: 09:00

Stakeholder Engagement Day - (NEMO)

Date: 09 June 2014

Venue: Boardwalk Hotel & Casino/ Sun International, Port Elizabeth

Time: 09:00

Members of the media are invited to attend the session and events mentioned above.

To RSVP, contact:

Sivuyile Ngaba
Cell: 071 403 5294
Tel: 021 441 2788 
E-mail: sngaba@environment.gov.za

Tshego Letshwiti
Cell: 076 307 9634 
Tel: 021 405 9439 
E-mail: tletshwiti@environment.gov.za

For media queries, contact:

Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483