Paul Malinda is a dynamic young entrepreneur from South Africa who is leveraging his background in Information Technology and passion for social development to make a positive impact on his community. As a Information Technology student Paul recognized the potential of technology to create opportunities and foster empowerment, which led him to organize workshops and events for youth skill development. Not only is Paul Malinda an impressive entrepreneur and social impact leader but he is also a Global Citizen and Bevioioneers alumni. During his time in these prestigious programs he developed a project focused on climate change and its impact on society. Paul's dedication to finding solutions for climate change and environmental issues has led him to become an inspiring voice for sustainability and innovation in his community and beyond. His work with both Global Citizen and Bevioioneers is a testament to his commitment to building a better world through meaningful action. Paul's commitment to climate action and sustainability adds another dimension to his impactful work. His passion for finding innovative solutions to plastic pollution and other environmental issues showcases his belief that technology can be a force for good and that meaningful change is possible when people come together.

Campaign Impact

Paul  Malinda led the Project Safeguard Our Seas (Project SOS) campaign, an impactful initiative aimed at driving public and political awareness about the ratification of the High Seas Treaty in South Africa. This campaign emphasized the importance of protecting international waters to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Key Campaign Activities included:

• Policy Advocacy and Public Engagement
  • Petition Launch: A petition was introduced to rally national support for the treaty’s ratification, mobilizing citizens to call for government action.
  • Ministerial Engagement: The team engaged directly with the Minister of Environmental Affairs to advocate for the treaty’s adoption and highlight its importance for South Africa’s role in global ocean governance.
• Ocean Advocates Webinar
  • Five Ocean Advocates: The campaign brought together five passionate ocean advocates in a webinar, providing a platform to discuss the treaty’s importance, the urgency of ratification, and actionable ways for individuals to get involved in marine conservation efforts.
• Art and Awareness
  • Sculpture Installation: A symbolic marine conservation sculpture was created and is currently showcased through a collaboration with a local art gallery and a co-working space. The exhibit serves as an ongoing centerpiece for public dialogue on ocean conservation and treaty awareness.
• Social Media Outreach
  • The team effectively leveraged social media to amplify their message. Posts included updates on the sculpture, highlights from the webinar, educational materials, and calls to action, reaching a wide audience and fostering public engagement.

Impact and Future Plans‍

The Project SOS campaign united diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to artists and advocates, in a shared mission to protect the oceans. It not only raised significant public awareness but also created a sustainable framework for continued advocacy.

In the future, the campaign plans to:

• Host community workshops to deepen grassroots engagement.
• Collaborate with more artists and educators to develop creative awareness tools.
• Build partnerships with international organizations to support global treaty ratification efforts.

By combining art, advocacy, and education, Project SOS has laid a strong foundation for lasting impact on ocean conservation.

“Participating in the High Seas Ambassador program has been a transformative experience for me. It has empowered me to amplify my voice and the voices of others in advocating for ocean conservation. The collaboration with passionate individuals, like Natania Botha, and engaging in creative initiatives such as the ‘Guardian of the Deep’ sculpture has reinforced my belief in the power of art and storytelling as catalysts for change. This program has not only deepened my understanding of the High Seas Treaty but has also equipped me with the tools and connections necessary to drive meaningful action in my community. Together, we are inspiring reflection, fostering awareness, and urging collective responsibility towards protecting our oceans for future generations.”