Special Events 2011

International Year of the Forest

Why would an aquarium celebrate Forests? There are a number of coastal and marine forests: kelp forests, mangroves and dune forests to name a few. Forests provide shelter to people and habitat to a huge variety of plants and animals; are a source of food, medicine and clean water; and play a vital role in maintaining a stable global climate and environment. Forests are vital to the survival and well being of people everywhere, all 7 billion of us!

2 February - World Wetlands Day

The health of our wetlands, whether forested or not, is linked to the health of forests in our catchments. South Africa presently has 20 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, three of which occur in KwaZulu-Natal: Ndumo Game Reserve, Isimangaliso Wetland Park and uKahlamba Drakensberg Park, the latter two also being World Heritage Sites.

22 March - World Water Day

uShaka Sea World will be celebrating water. Visit us closer to the time for more information.

26 March - Earth Hour

Join a massive group in Durban and worldwide at 8:30 pm to switch off all the lights for one hour. The highlight of Earth Hour 2011 will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour, as hundreds of millions of people transcend race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography, switching off their lights in a global celebration of their commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet. 4616 cities, towns and municipalities took part in Earth Hour 2010 across 128 countries!

22 April - Earth Day

22 May - International Day of Biodiversity

8 June - World Oceans Day

Unofficially celebrated since 1982, this became recognised by the United Nations in 2008. Join us to celebrate the source of life covering over 70% of our planet.

28 to 29 June - Marine Careers Course

Open to learners from Grades 9 to 12 This 2-day course will give participants an insight into the varied marine careers that there are available.  They will get to interact with staff that work with dolphins, research scientists, aquarists and many others.

11 to 13 July - Children’s Holiday Course

11 July - World Population Day

As the world’s population increases so does the demand on our natural resources. Worldwide seafood provides over 1 billion people with their primary source of protein. The South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) helps you, the consumer, to make the right choices. SMS text the name of the fish to 079-499-8795 for more information.

July - Marine and Coastal Educators Network KwaZulu-Natal Meeting

1 to 7 August - National Science Week

The NPC Sea World Education Centre runs special events to promote an interest in Marine Science. The focus will be on the use of science and technology to manage marine resources as well as the promotion of marine careers and the choice of subjects at school. Sea World provides an excellent example of staff following many different marine careers in research, animal husbandry and education.

3 and 4 August

Special workshops on resource management focusing on fisheries will be run on 3 August for Primary School teachers and 4 August for Senior school teachers.

1 September - Arbour Day

Join us and plant an indigenous tree. Trees play a vital role in the catchment areas of rivers and consequently help the oceans. The NPC Sea World Education Outreach Team works with a number of disadvantaged schools to promote the planting of trees.

17 September - International Coastal Cleanup

This is an annual event that happens in over 100 countries world-wide. The uShaka Marine World staff join together with our neighbour, Addington Primary School to clean up the uShaka beach. The This is different to most litter campaigns in that all the litter is sorted and counted. Forms are completed and sent to the organizers in America. The KwaZulu-Natal Clean-up is co-ordinated by KZN Wildlife so if you have a group that wants to participate, contact their Durban office (031) 2741150.

4 October - World Animal Day

Our focus will be on the conservation of marine animals.

3 to 4 October - Marine Careers Course

Open to learners from Grades 9 to 12 This 2-day course will give participants an insight into the varied marine careers that there are available.  They will get to interact with staff that work with dolphins, research scientists, aquarists and many others.

8 October - African Penguin Awareness Day

Our little feathered friends are in trouble, as their numbers are declining rapidly! Over the years, the effects of climate change and pollution have taken their toll, as food stocks begin to diminish, and their natural habitat shrinks due to human population growth and the disturbance of their natural nesting areas. Come and find out more about this small population that only lives in South Africa and Namibia.

17 to 23 October - National Marine Week

uShaka sea World will host events during October to highlight South Africa’s fascinating marine diversity and how each of us can contribute to conservation. Visit us closer to the time for more information.

26 November - Buy Nothing Day

As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? We all know recycling is OK for the environment, but consuming less is better.