World Oceans Day to be celebrated in Port Elizabeth

7 June 2010

The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, will lead the celebration of the 2010 World Oceans Day tomorrow, 8 June 2010. The United Nations approved theme for this year’s event, is: “Our oceans: Opportunities and challenges.”

The Department of Environmental Affairs will celebrate World Oceans Day 2010 in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The observance of World Oceans Day in South Africa provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness about the opportunities, in terms of services and goods that our oceans present to us as a nation. The day provides an opportunity to highlight the considerable challenges the country faces in maintaining the oceans capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation.

With June being recognised as both Youth and Environmental Month, the celebration will focus on the youth. Grade 11 and 12 science learners from Sakhisizwe High School in Zwide will be taken to various sites across the city where they will be exposed to careers in the sector, to goods and services that oceans and coasts contribute to the country’s economy and the impact that oceans have on our climate and its link to climate change.

Media is invited to the World Oceans Day celebration.

Venue: Council Chamber, 1st Floor Main Building, South Campus Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth
Date: Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Time: 09h30

RSVP:
Judith van der Merwe
Cell: 083 321 2617
Tel: 012 310 3309
E-mail: jvdmerwe@environment.gov.za

For more information contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Tel: 021 819 2423
Cell: 082 898 6483

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
7 June 2010