This year the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) was held in South Africa. IMMC serves as a vital platform where scientists and practitioners converge to advance marine science and policy. With over 800 delegates, IMCC is one of the largest global gatherings of ocean conservationists. Bringing together a diverse community—including researchers, regulators, fishers, educators, artists, students, and journalists—the conference fosters the exchange of research, tools, and lessons learned.
IMCC7 saw several Ocean Leaders in attendance, contributing their expertise and perspectives to the global conversation. In this article, Ocean Leaders Loyiso Dunga and Stephen Kankam reflect on their experiences, sharing their thoughts on the event and its impact.
Loyiso Dunga, Marine Biologist and Director of Outreach Programs and National Lead for the Seas of Good Hope , South Africa
Attending the recent international marine conservation conference in Cape Town, South Africa, was an impactful experience, especially as it marked the first time the event was hosted on the African continent. The theme, “Making Marine Science Matter,” felt particularly timely given the urgent challenges facing our oceans and the need to engage communities, policymakers, and practitioners in marine conservation. Marine science often feels distant to many, with much of its work hidden beneath the “big blue blanket” of the ocean. With the conference taking place in my home country and knowing there would be a gathering of global colleagues, I was honoured to support the IMCC organising team in bringing a rich cultural experience to highlight South Africa’s rich culture, diversity, national context, and unique perspectives.
During the week I presented a talk, “The Silencing of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the Marine Conservation Space,” where I discussed my research, work and the deep connections to the Great African Sea Forest. My key highlight being the concept of building bridges (drawing inspiration from the Khali people of northeast India) and showing the importance of making our research accessible not just to scientists but to society at large. Science must be co-developed with communities and aligned with policy goals to make a real impact. My talk raised questions about how we can ensure that scientific research is in tune with both policy objectives and the ways society connects with marine issues.
The diversity of perspectives at the conference was inspiring, with sessions highlighting natural sciences, social sciences, and a strong focus on local and indigenous knowledge. We also showcased a bridge building programme called the Sea People Collective, where the faces, voices and hearts of the custodian and indigenous knowledge holders who are on the frontlines of safeguarding South Africa’s, shared their livelihood products with the international audience.
Stephen Kankam, Co-founder and Deputy Director of Hen Mpaono, Ghana
Attending the recent international marine conservation conference in Cape Town, South Africa, was both inspiring and enlightening. Presenting on the processes towards the establishment of Ghana’s first marine protected area (MPA) allowed me to share insights from our ongoing efforts, challenges, and successes with a wider audience. This experience reinforced the importance of raising awareness around the unique ecological and socio-economic contexts of MPAs in Ghana, as well as the role they play in supporting local communities and biodiversity.
Networking with fellow Edinburgh Ocean Leaders was incredibly valuable. Through these interactions, I gained fresh perspectives on collaborative approaches and innovative strategies that could potentially be adapted to our work in Ghana. The exchange of ideas was a reminder of the power of partnerships in driving impactful marine conservation efforts, whether through shared resources, knowledge, or aligned goals.
The conference talks underscored emerging challenges and opportunities in marine conservation globally. Hearing about various conservation initiatives inspired me to think critically about how to integrate new practices, such as community-based management and sustainable resource use, into our MPA frameworks. It was encouraging to see how much passion and commitment there is worldwide toward protecting our oceans. The conference left me with renewed motivation to further our work in establishing and managing MPAs in Ghana, knowing we are part of a much larger movement dedicated to marine conservation.
