Cape Town’s iconic Labia Theatre became a hub of inspiration recently as renowned ocean storytellers and conservationists gathered to celebrate the Great African Seaforest, a marine treasure that stretches over 1,000 kilometers from South Africa to Namibia, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Home to countless unique species, this underwater forest not only supports extraordinary biodiversity but has also become a global epicenter for conservation storytelling.
‘South Africa’s seaforest is a wonderland of abundance,’ said Thomas Peschak, award-winning National Geographic photographer and Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Director of Storytelling. ‘It’s also the birthplace of more conservation storytellers per capita than almost anywhere else on Earth.’
Peschak, whose career began by documenting the seaforest, shared highlights from his groundbreaking 25-year journey as a marine biologist turned photojournalist. In 2022, he shifted his lens from underwater ecosystems to the Amazon Forest, spending 396 days documenting the vast river network across nine South American countries.
The event, organized by the Save Our Seas Foundation, featured Peschak’s Amazon expedition alongside stories from Cape Town’s own ocean storytellers. ‘Thomas is a world-class storyteller,’ said Jade Schultz, SOSF’s Global Communications Manager. ‘It’s great to collaborate with him again and share his latest inspiring body of work here in Cape Town, where both Thomas and the Save Our Seas Foundation have strong roots.’
A spotlight on seaforest biodiversity
Dr. Jannes Landschoff, representing the Sea Change Project, introduced the 1001 Seaforest Species Initiative, which showcases the incredible diversity of life within the Great African Seaforest. From tiny crustaceans to majestic visiting whales, Dr. Landschoff highlighted how each species contributes to the health of this ecosystem and underscored the critical role of biodiversity in planetary restoration.
‘The seaforest is a sanctuary for unique species and a source of endless fascination,’ said Dr. Landschoff. Through research, tracking, and immersive storytelling, the initiative seeks to inspire people to treasure and protect this marine wonder.
Cape Town’s conservation storytelling titans
The evening concluded with a panel discussion led by Steve Benjamin, a zoologist, marine guide, and photographer. It featured renowned storytellers, including:
- Pippa Ehrlich, co-director of the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher.
- Shamier Magmoet, a National Geographic Explorer and documentary filmmaker.
- Roger Horrocks, underwater cinematographer for Blue Planet 2, Our Planet, and My Octopus Teacher.
- Otto Whitehead, a conservation storyteller and ecologist.
Sharing their journeys and experiences, the panelists offered insights on crafting compelling narratives that resonate globally. ‘We are so fortunate to have such talented ocean storytellers right here in Cape Town,’ Schultz said. ‘Their stories inspire a global audience while reminding us of the urgent need to protect our natural world.’
Empowering future storytellers
The event wasn’t just about celebrating achievements; it aimed to inspire the next generation of conservation storytellers. By combining science with the power of storytelling, the speakers showcased how narratives can spark meaningful change.
For those eager to follow in their footsteps, the panelists offered actionable advice, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in conservation media. The evening reinforced the vital connection between understanding the natural world and telling its stories in ways that motivate action.
As Cape Town’s seaforest continues to nurture biodiversity and inspire storytellers, the world watches, listens, and learns—one stunning narrative at a time.
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Picture: Thomas Peschak/ Supplied
