Momboc works alongside coastal communities to restore marine ecosystems, manage shorelines, and build a future where ocean tourism and conservation go hand in hand.
Get involvedOur focus
From mangrove restoration along the Wild Coast to responsible whale watching in Hermanus, every initiative is rooted in local knowledge and marine science.
Tangible outcomes from every coastal project we undertake.
Restored dune systems and mangrove buffers reduce erosion and protect local communities from storm surges.
Targeted habitat rehabilitation brings back fish stocks and bird populations within a single season.
Operators adopt low-impact practices that attract eco‑conscious visitors and reduce wildlife disturbance.
Regular citizen‑science clean‑ups and microplastic monitoring keep popular swimming areas safe and inviting.
Training and employment in conservation create stable income for coastal communities year‑round.
Regular ecological surveys and water quality reports give partners clear evidence of progress and areas needing attention.
We don’t just talk about protecting the coast — we work on it, with it, and for the people who live along it.
Every project starts with conversations — with fishers, community leaders, and coastal rangers. We don’t fly in with a one-size-fits-all plan. Our work on the Wild Coast mangrove restoration grew directly from what local volunteers and marine biologists knew about the tides, the soil, and the species that once thrived there.
When we advocate for sustainable whale watching in Hermanus, we rely on peer-reviewed research on vessel disturbance and stress physiology. Our microplastic surveys on Cape beaches follow standardised protocols used by UCT’s marine unit. Good intentions aren’t enough — we measure what works and adjust when it doesn’t.
We publish our project outcomes — including setbacks. The mangrove survival rate after the first season? 62%. We shared that number, learned from the losses, and improved the planting technique. Trust isn’t built on perfect stories; it’s built on honest reporting and a willingness to do better next time.
“Momboc is the only organisation we’ve worked with that actually asked our fishing cooperative what we needed before drawing up a plan. That changed everything.”
— Nolwazi Mkhize, Chair, KwaZulu-Natal Small-Scale Fishers Association
Tangible services that protect marine life, restore coastal habitats, and make ocean tourism a force for good.
We coordinate mangrove replanting and dune rehabilitation projects along the Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal. Each site is monitored for two years post-planting to track survival rates and sediment retention.
Our team conducts seasonal surveys of southern right whale calving grounds and African penguin colonies. Data is shared with SANParks and local universities to inform seasonal no-go zones.
We run half-day workshops for boat operators, kayak guides, and lodge staff in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay. Topics include approach distances, waste management, and guest education.
Beachgoers and local schools collect microplastic samples using a standardised protocol. Results are uploaded to a public database used by UCT researchers to map pollution hotspots.
We prepare evidence briefs for municipal coastal management committees on topics like single-use plastic bylaws and boat traffic restrictions during calving season.
We assess tourism operators against the Blue Flag and Fair Trade Tourism standards, providing a gap analysis and a practical roadmap to certification within six months.
Explore more stories and insights from our coastal work.
A community-led initiative to revive critical coastal ecosystems
How local volunteers and marine biologists are bringing mangrove habitats back to life after decades of degradation.
Read article →Balancing tourism with marine mammal protection
Best practices for operators and visitors to minimise disturbance to southern right whales during calving season.
Read article →Microplastic pollution in the Cape's intertidal zone
New research reveals alarming concentrations of microplastics in popular swimming beaches along the Cape Peninsula.
Read article →