The Green Connection welcomes a historic legal settlement aimed at protecting the endangered African Penguin in South Africa. The agreement, achieved in conjunction with SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa, symbolizes progress but underscores the need for broader marine protections against industrial overfishing and oil extraction. The health of the ocean is vital for marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. Continued efforts are essential to protect both ecological integrity and community rights.
South Africa’s commitment to social justice and human rights includes a recent settlement regarding the endangered African Penguin. The Green Connection praises the historical agreement between the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), BirdLife South Africa, and the Minister of Environment, which aims to enhance protections for the species that is currently facing extinction. Despite this positive development, The Green Connection emphasizes that further actions are necessary to combat ongoing threats to marine life, such as industrial overfishing and offshore oil drilling, which detrimentally impact biodiversity.
Liziwe McDaid, Strategic Lead at The Green Connection, emphasizes that a healthy ocean is vital for both marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who rely on it. The decreasing population of African Penguins signals deeper issues affecting ocean health and highlights the critical need for strong protective measures to preserve marine ecosystems, particularly for small-scale fishers along South Africa’s extensive coastline.
The African Penguin has been reclassified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a 76.9% decline in population over the past two decades. Breeding pairs have dwindled from approximately 27,151 in 2007 to just 8,750 as of December 2023. Neville van Rooy, Community Outreach Coordinator at The Green Connection, warns that industrial overfishing is exacerbating this crisis, threatening both the penguins and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.
Moreover, local fishers report significant declines in traditional fish catches, pointing to notable changes in fish populations. Priscilla Abrahams, a local fisher, notes a shift in the diet of snoek, stating, “We used to find anchovy in the stomachs of snoek, but now it’s mostly baby hake.” Walter Steenkamp, another career fisher, expresses concern over the changes in their waters, affirming, “There is much less snoek now than when I was young. The sea isn’t the same.”
This legal challenge reinforces the government’s responsibility to provide effective environmental protections, including establishing no-fishing zones around critical breeding sites for penguins. The Biodiversity Law Clinic, representing the case’s applicants, indicates that a panel of experts provided necessary scientific recommendations to the Minister in mid-2023.
The Green Connection firmly supports SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa, recognizing that preserving the African Penguin’s habitat also protects the rights of small-scale fisheries and related communities. While this legal victory represents progress, urgent action is needed to address the broader challenges posed by the climate crisis and irresponsible industrial practices. A focus on responsible governance is essential to build a sustainable future for both people and the environment.
The recent settlement in South Africa concerning the African Penguin highlights the interconnection between environmental protection and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. As the species faces severe population declines largely due to industrial activities, it is crucial to implement strong ocean conservation measures. The Green Connection advocates for ongoing actions and policies that prioritize ecological health and social justice, ensuring a sustainable future for both marine life and coastal communities.
Original Source: allafrica.com
