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The Kouga Municipality has announced a partnership with the JBay Surf Alliance, to foster a keen love for the ocean and provide ongoing environmental education to local youth to help keep Kouga clean.
Executive mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said; "surfing has long been recognised as a catalyst for nurturing our souls and instilling a deep sense of responsibility towards our oceans."
He said the JBay Surf Alliance brings together like-minded individuals, who are committed to protecting and caring for our coastal environment, along with empowering our youth through after-school surf therapy programmes.
"The success of any conservation effort greatly relies on the support and involvement of the community. Together, we can effect sustainable change through protection, conservation, and education," he said.
Kouga Municipality said that the JBay Surf Alliance, in conjunction with the World Surfing League's (WSL) One Ocean initiative, provided a unique opportunity for local youth to interact with professional surfers who are competing in this week's Corona Open J-Bay this week.
"Esteemed surfers such as Matt McGillivray (the only local to compete in the Corona Open J-Bay), Jordy Smith, Carissa Moore, John Florence, Griffin Colapinto, Crosby Colapinto, Adin Masencamp, Lakey Peterson, Stephanie Gilmore, Liam O'Brien, and Frank Solomon, who passionately support the WSL One Ocean initiative, graciously dedicated their time and expertise to this remarkable project."
"As a partner, Kouga Municipality is proud to be associated with this project and is committed to continuously educating our community to reduce the environmental impact of plastic and waste materials," said Hattingh.
"This collaboration exemplifies the municipality's unwavering dedication to safeguarding the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for all."
"To encourage broader participation, residents and business owners are invited to join WSL's "Speak Up for the Ocean" campaign."
"This innovative initiative urges fans worldwide to share their stories and sustainable initiatives on social media using the hashtag #WSLOneOcean."
