In 2014 False Bay was selected as one of six designated South African ‘Hope Spots’ indicating the areas as places of interest and importance critical for the health of the ocean.
While about 12% of the land around the world is now under some form of protection (such as national parks etc.), less than 6% of the ocean is protected in any way. Hope Spots allow us to plan for the future and look beyond current marine protected areas (MPAs), which are like national parks on land where exploitative uses like fishing and deep-sea mining are restricted. Hope Spots are often areas that need new protection, but they can also be existing MPAs where more action is needed. They can be large, they can be small, but they all provide hope due to:
– A special abundance or diversity of species, unusual or representative species, habitats or ecosystems
– Particular populations of rare, threatened or endemic species
– A site with the potential to reverse damage from negative human impacts
– The presence of natural processes such as major migration corridors or spawning grounds
– Significant historical, cultural or spiritual values
– Particular economic importance to the community
Source: https://mission-blue.org/hope-spots/
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