UN World Oceans Day, celebrated at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, focuses on “opening hearts, awakening senses and unleashing possibilities” to protect marine life around the world.
A powerful video was shown reflecting the theme. awaken new depthsIt warns us of the need for immediate protection and that there is no time to settle for “out of sight, out of mind.”
In a statement marking the day, which is officially Saturday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the oceans sustain life on Earth and that the problem is essentially man-made.
“Climate change is It triggers sea level rise and threatens the very existence of small island developing States and coastal populations.“he said.
Prime Minister Guterres also noted that ocean acidification is destroying coral reefs and that ocean temperatures are reaching record levels, leading to extreme weather events. Overfishing and other factors are contributing to the destruction of the world’s marine ecosystems.
General Assembly President Dennis Francis also attended the event and expressed similar concerns about the current state of the oceans.
“There is still so much to learn about the ocean. And most importantly, reverse the damage caused to our precious lifeline resources.”
Mr. Francis said the ocean is our strongest ally in the fight against climate change.It is our shared responsibility to correct course and recommit to sustainably managing the ocean’s precious resources. – To ensure availability across generations.”
The Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly said they look forward to reflection and action on ways to restore and protect our oceans at the Future Summit in September 2024 and the United Nations Ocean Conference next year.
Ocean Status Report
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released a State of the Oceans report earlier this week urging policymakers to think about “the oceans we need for the future we want.”
The report details threats and trends to the oceans that can help identify drivers of change.
The report warned that the rate of ocean warming has doubled in 20 years and, among other things, coastal life is being suffocated by declining ocean oxygen levels.
One of the conclusions is that “ocean literacy practice and research are strategic allies to optimize resources, accelerate behavioral change, and improve the implementation of marine conservation programs and sustainability practices.”
sound cloud
https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1297186681&visual=&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&color=%23ff5500
call to action
Marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle, who spoke at UN headquarters on Friday, said finding ways to share the importance of protecting our oceans with the world could lead to important steps to protect coastal wildlife.
“Now is the time for governments, businesses, investors, scientists and communities to work together. Unite together to protect the oceanUN Secretary-General Guterres said:
In a similar call to action, General Assembly President Francis said:Redouble our efforts to support and develop maritime activities.“We build much-needed capacity in (small island developing States) and other developing countries, and promote innovative financial solutions that drive change and expand resilience.”
