South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, has underscored the need to educate both inland and coastal communities about the critical role oceans play in the nation’s biodiversity and economy.
The minister was speaking at the Oceans 20 outreach event held at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, as part of preparatory engagements ahead of the main G20 summit scheduled for November this year.
Oceans as a Lifeline for All Communities
Minister Nzimande emphasized that while South Africa has more ocean space than land, the health of these waters affects everyone—including those living far from the coast.
“People who are living inland should not be disinterested in oceans because oceans actually affect inland areas in many ways,” he said.
He pointed out that rivers, such as Mpumalanga’s Crocodile River, flow into the Indian Ocean, meaning pollution or neglect inland directly impacts marine ecosystems. Additionally, oceans influence climate, rainfall, and even oxygen supply—with an estimated 50% of the world’s oxygen originating from marine sources.
Economic Potential of the Blue Economy
The minister highlighted the economic opportunities tied to the oceans, including trade, fishing, and sustainable development. However, he acknowledged challenges faced by small-scale fishers who struggle to access permits, limiting their livelihoods.
“Big companies are hauling fish in our seas in a manner that marginalizes small-scale fishermen and women who have relied on the sea for centuries,” Nzimande noted.
He also referenced South Africa’s Oceans Economy program, which aims to harness the multi-billion-rand potential of marine resources while promoting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Currently, only 15% of Africa’s trade occurs within the continent, a figure he believes can grow with better utilization of ocean resources.
Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Scientific Research
Nzimande stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific research, particularly in understanding rivers and marine ecosystems.
“Science tells us we only understand 15% of our oceans—85% remains unexplored,” he said, emphasizing the need for further research.
The outreach event also served as a platform to engage inland communities on their role in preserving marine biodiversity, ensuring that conservation efforts extend beyond coastal regions.
As South Africa prepares for the G20 summit, the minister’s message is clear: protecting oceans is not just an environmental issue but an economic and social imperative for all citizens.
