# The South African National Parks is joining the world in celebrating Marine Protected Areas Day today, under the theme, Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection. This day recognises the critical role marine protected areas play in conserving marine biodiversity, protecting fisheries, mitigating climate change, and supporting coastal communities. South Africa’s oldest marine protected area is the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, located within the Garden Route National Park. SANParks says they are committed to strengthening ecological integrity while promoting social equity.
SANParks joins the world in celebrating Marine Protected Areas Day