#LPC2017: WWF-SASSI founder receives Living Planet Award

Dr Kerry Sink, 2017 WWF-SA Living Planet Award winner

Sink is the founder of the WWF Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) - a set of tools that allows consumers to contribute to a sustainable seafood industry. She continues to play a critical role in ensuring the scientific credibility of the seafood assessments through her role on the independent SASSI review panel.

Expanding on SA's marine protected areas

Through Operation Phakisa, a South African government initiative, Sink has expanded on the WWF-funded Offshore Marine Protected Area (OMPA) project, with the goal of increasing the extent of South Africa’s marine protected areas (MPAs). A Pew Fellowship recipient, she is using this research support to ensure that the proposed MPAs are designed to promote biological diversity, and is working with key industry sectors to reach the goal of protecting 10% of South Africa’s waters.

The WWF South Africa Living Planet Award recognises the contributions of South African individuals who inspire people to live in harmony with nature for the benefit of the country and the wellbeing of all. Previous winners have included international river-flow expert Dr Jackie King, and Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The 2017 WWF-SA Living Planet Conference was held on Thursday, 27 July, at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton.