MPA Day by numbers: Plans to make the 2025 MPA Day the biggest celebration yet

What started as a South African movement in 2021 went global in 2024, with MPA Day now officially celebrated on 1 August in 12 countries. In 2025, MPA Day event organisers hope to make this the biggest celebration yet of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’. Themed Making Connections, this year’s activities seek to connect people to the ocean and bring conservation awareness to even more people around the world.

MPA Day encourages everyone to appreciate the value and benefits of MPAs – Marine Protected Areas - through shared stories, talks, competitions, and ocean-based activities. Benefits of these valuable areas include protecting breeding and nursery areas to ensure fishery sustainability, climate resilience, job creation and tourism, vital research, and opportunities for people to explore the underwater world through snorkelling and diving, and other water-based activities.

MPA Day also aligns with the 30x30 global movement – the biggest conservation commitment ever – whereby 190 countries have committed to achieving effective protection and management of 30% of the world's land, fresh waters and oceans by the year 2030. It also supports the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges to strengthen momentum for ocean knowledge-based solutions. Critically, MPA Day addresses the urgent need to connect people to the ocean, a vital first step to ocean care.

“When we first launched MPA Day 5 years ago, we never expected the international response that we’ve received, and we’re excited to build on the momentum this year,” commented Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.

“To accommodate the many activities, we now have an international group, led by our Protect Baltic and Mission Blue partners, coordinating the global events with local partners working on South African events – all with the united goal of helping people to care for these important ocean spaces. We’re calling on everyone to get involved and to share the event details as we aim to make this our biggest MPA Day celebration. It is only by working together that we can make ocean protection a priority and a reality around the world. And MPA Day is all about working together.”

Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager for the Two Oceans Aquarium, said they’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm of Western Cape organisations participating in this year’s celebrations of MPA Day on 1 August: “Organisations from around Cape Town to Gansbaai, Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, have eagerly stepped forward to join the planning team, so this year really promises to offer a widespread range of activities highlighting the importance and benefits of MPAs for people and nature. Keep an eye on social media for MPA Day celebrations near you!” noted Lockhart.