Ten years ago, circular economy principles and regenerative thinking were not mainstream. Conversations around embodied carbon, material transparency and lifecycle thinking were niche in many
Unlocking opportunity and
sustainability through
our oceans
The founding philosophy of the Waterfront was and is to better connect Cape Town with the sea.
The ocean, therefore, is a focus for us: we are working with core ocean-minded partners to drive goals of sustainability, opportunity and inclusivity.
Our neighbourhood is built around a working harbour and yacht basin, with 3,5km of quay walls and jetties. A full third of the ocean-fronting property is dedicated to ocean-based industries.
In SOLVE’s work, we have identified dimensions of the ocean economy that contribute most meaningfully to economic growth, jobs and social upliftment. Some initiatives – and those with whom we are partnering in this exciting work – include marine conservation through:
- Amplifying the work of the Aquarium
- Helping to drive the zero-plastics campaign
- Supporting sustainable seafood work
- Engaging with anti-water pollution initiatives
- Helping to solve sewage management challenges
SOLVE’S OCEAN CLUSTER PURPOSE
To create an inspirational example of sustainable, value-creating and socially responsible blue-economy engagement.
We are also passionate about:
- The creation of an Ocean Centre and Ocean Campus to contribute to skills development and ocean education. This is about co-location of small ocean-minded businesses, ocean associations and research organisations, and small-scale makers. The adjacency to one another and to stakeholders who share an interest in the ocean, drives energy and innovation, and supports the growth of the ocean economy
- Marine conservation through amplifying the work of the Aquarium, helping to drive the zero-plastics campaign, supporting sustainable seafood work, engaging with anti-water pollution initiatives, and helping to solve sewage management challenges
- Providing platforms for ocean economy growth, and collaboration around balancing growth and sustainability
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Supporting and growing the work of our partners and tenants such as
- Ocean Hub Africa, which supports ocean-minded innovation businesses
- The Two Oceans Aquarium and its Education Foundation, which do world-leading education and sustainability work
- BlueCape, an initiative of ocean-focused businesses and the City of Cape Town
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