The Department of Nature Conservation within the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences at MUT took part in the commemoration of UNESCO World Oceans Day 2026 on 8 June. Held at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, the event brought together academic researchers, government officials, and environmental alumni to spotlight ocean conservation, fragile estuarine ecosystems, and innovative climate change mitigation.
A major highlight of the commemoration was a keynote presentation by MUT PhD candidate Trevor Govender. Govender’s presentation detailed the intrinsic link between healthy oceans and flourishing coastal networks, showcasing his ongoing doctoral research on mangrove blue carbon sequestration, the process by which coastal plants capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Govender’s research is being conducted under a collaborative supervisory team of MUT’s Professor Akash Anandraj and Dr Joseph Bwapwa, alongside Professor Yogis Naidoo from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The findings emphasized that healthy mangrove forests and estuaries serve as vital ecological linchpins, providing structural coastal protection, biodiversity support, fisheries enhancement, and long-term carbon storage within their biomass and deep sediments.
The 2026 event also served as a strategic platform for MUT leadership to engage directly with the Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Narend Singh. The MUT delegation, led by Professor Alfred Msomi, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences; and Professor Anandraj, Director of the Centre for Algal Biotechnology, met with Deputy Minister Singh to reinforce the University’s commitment to supporting national environmental priorities through rigorous, innovative research.
This high-level meeting builds upon initial discussions opened by Professor Msomi last year. Professor Anandraj confirmed that preparations for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MUT faculty and the DFFE are actively underway to solidify sustainable ocean stewardship initiatives.
“Protecting our oceans, estuaries, and mangrove forests is essential for safeguarding biodiversity, supporting local livelihoods, mitigating climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.” Professor Akash Anandraj, Director of the CAB at MUT
Organisers noted that the event saw strong attendance from MUT Nature Conservation alumni who now serve as senior members within the DFFE and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Professor Anandraj described the visible success and presence of these past students as “highly encouraging,” signalling MUT’s growing impact on regional and national conservation leadership.