Celebrating Environment Month: Honouring Our Southernmost Ecosystems
June is Environment Month under the theme “Think, Eat, Save and reduce your foodprint”
June marks National Environment Month in South Africa — a time for reflection, awareness, and action toward safeguarding our natural world. Spearheaded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), this month-long observance highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and calls on all citizens to contribute to a more sustainable future. Central to these celebrations are two globally recognised days: World Environment Day on June 5th and World Oceans Day on June 8th, both of which resonate strongly with the mission and work of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP).
As South Africa’s gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, SANAP plays a vital role in environmental research and conservation in some of the planet’s most fragile and remote ecosystems — including Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island. During Environment Month, SANAP takes pride in celebrating the unique natural heritage of these sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, where pristine ecosystems offer critical insight into global environmental changes.
Marion Island, in particular, stands out as a hub of scientific activity. Home to one of SANAP’s permanent research stations, the island has been central to decades of biological and environmental studies. Its long-term monitoring programmes have produced a wealth of scientific papers and post-graduate research, offering rare and invaluable data on biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change. These efforts are not only advancing global understanding of environmental shifts but also reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to science-based conservation.
This Environment Month, as we reflect on our role in protecting the planet, we honour the scientists, support and teams of SANAP who dedicate their work to safeguarding the southernmost reaches of our world. Their ongoing research ensures that we remain informed and equipped to make decisions that protect our environment — for generations to come.
The United Nations has designated May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), a day to reflect on the vital role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. The 2025 theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” underscores the importance of conserving biodiversity to ensure a sustainable future for both people and the planet. It is a timely reminder that a thriving natural world is the foundation of human well-being and a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In South Africa, this day holds special meaning for the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). Operating across three key research stations — Antarctica, Marion Island (part of the Prince Edward Islands), and Gough Island — SANAP plays a crucial role in understanding and preserving the unique biodiversity of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. These remote and fragile ecosystems are home to countless species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
For decades, SANAP-supported scientists have been at the forefront of biodiversity research in these regions. Their work includes long-term monitoring of bird and marine mammal populations, studies on invasive species, climate change impacts, and ecosystem dynamics. Through rigorous field research and environmental stewardship, SANAP contributes to global knowledge and conservation efforts, ensuring these pristine environments continue to thrive for generations to come.
On this International Day for Biological Diversity, SANAP reaffirms its commitment to protecting the biodiversity of the Southern Ocean and its islands — not only for their intrinsic value but also for the essential role they play in the global ecosystem.
In the SANAP community we are celebrating all those involved as Researchers, Scientists, and Students at tertiary and research institutions and infrastructures, and personnel within the National Research Foundation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Public works and Infrastructure, the South African Weather Services, the South African National Space Agency, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure and all the women serving as part of the crew of the S.A. Agulhas II.
Celebrating our women overwintering team members at our stations: Antarctica (SANAEIV), Marion Island and Gough Island.
2024 women’s day commemoration is a reminder of the important contributions that are made by women to society, as well as a time to reflect on the advances in women’s rights. During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.
Women’s Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity (GNU) and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events, and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the 
The Open Day was hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of the S.A. Agulhas II at the Port of Port Elizabeth on 16 May and on the 17 May 2024, 1000 learners from 40 schools around the Metro were hosted.
In addition to exploring the SA Agulhas II, visitors on both days were able to engage with a diverse range of exhibits and interactive displays at an expo organised by DEFF and its partners. The expo showcased the vital work being done in marine research, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response by the residents of Gqeberha to the SA Agulhas II Open Day in Gqeberha,” said Minister Barbara Creecy. “This event provided a fantastic platform for the public to learn about the important research conducted aboard the SA Agulhas II and the critical role it plays as a supply vessel to the three research bases in Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands in the Southern Ocean.” Full media release 
The theme for World Environment Day and National Environment Month rests on three pillars. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted. Therefore, communities are encouraged to “Think” before discarding food off as waste. The second pillar, “Eat” encourages consuming food in such a way that the environmental impact is reduced. Third pillar encourages communities to make wise decisions about discarding food and “Save” as far as possible.
