‘You can’t protect what you don’t know:’ Interview with marine scientist Loyiso Dunga

CAPE TOWN — Marine scientist Loyiso Dunga's journey into ocean conservation began with a simple act of curiosity. In 2016, while mapping the Great African Seaforest, Dunga decided to snorkel in the kelp forest that stretches across an impressive 800 miles or 1,300 kilometers. This stretch of coastline spans two coasts and two oceans, and Dunga's connection to the ocean runs deep — he grew up in the coastal community of Nqabara in South Africa's Wild Coast, and as a member of the Xhosa nation, the ocean held a sacred and familial significance for him.

However, the first time Dunga swam in the ocean for pleasure was during that snorkeling trip, an experience that captivated him and sparked his passion for marine science. Currently, Dunga serves as the executive director for the Seas of Good Hope program in South Africa and collaborates globally with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Kelp Forest Alliance, an organization dedicated to the protection of over 9 million acres (3.6 million hectares) of kelp forests by the year 2040.

To ensure the success of these conservation efforts, Dunga emphasizes the need for a stronger connection between Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and policy. He founded Asili Blue Renaissance, a nonprofit organization, to promote diverse and legitimate ocean conservation measures, including work with Indigenous communities.

Furthermore, Dunga is currently leading an initiative with the Kelp Forest Alliance to rename global kelp forests using their Indigenous names. In a recent interview with Mongabay, Dunga discussed his work, which has been edited for length and clarity.