Revitalization: Collective Action For the Ocean

Too many of us take the oceans for granted. This negative attitude towards our oceans is oftentimes derived from a lack of knowledge surrounding the importance of our oceans in the sustainability of life on our planet. The ocean is the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, is a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere. More than ever before, the ocean is under stress from human activities including greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and over-exploitation. The ocean connects, sustains, and supports us all. The health of the ocean is at a tipping point and so is the well-being of all that depends on it. As citizens of this planet we are mindful of the necessity to work together in order to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life. The World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 every year across the globe. Oceans make up over 70 percent of the planet and are essential to support and promote life. Their degradation could destabilize the earth’s dynamics with natural resources. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness among people about the “impact of human actions on the ocean” and to mobilize citizens for their sustainable management. The United Nations (UN) will highlight the theme: Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean on World Oceans Day, on June 8, 2022. History The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed by the UN in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It was suggested that a day be observed to raise awareness about the crucial role oceans play in our lives and ways in which people can help protect them. Since 2002, the World Ocean Network has built support for ocean awareness events on June 8 with the help of sponsorship from UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. On December 5, 2008, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to designate this day. The Blue Economy For many of us the term blue economy is not familiar. It is perhaps an opportune time to learn a little about this concept which is often used in environmental matters. The ‘blue economy’ is an emerging concept that encourages sustainable exploitation, innovation and stewardship of our ocean and its life-giving ‘blue’ resources. Commonwealth.org states that in the old ‘business-as-usual’ model, nations develop their ocean economies through the exploitation of maritime and marine resources, for example, through shipping, commercial fishing, and oil, gas, and mineral development. Often, they do not pay adequate attention to the effect of these activities on the future health or productivity of the same resources and the ocean ecosystems in which they exist. The ‘blue economy’ concept provides a more holistic vision that embraces economic growth when it is sustainable and does not damage other sectors. Similar to the ‘green economy’, the blue economy brings human well-being, social equity and environmental sustainability into harmony. The blue economy embraces economic opportunities. But it also protects and develops more intangible ‘blue’ resources such as traditional ways of life, carbon sequestration and coastal resilience in order to help vulnerable states mitigate the devastating effects of poverty and climate change. Consequence According to the UN, oceans produce about 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen and are home to earth’s biodiversity. It is the main source of protein for over 1 billion people in the world. It is estimated that by 2030, about 40 million people will earn a living by being employed in ocean-based industries. Oceans also absorb nearly 30 percent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, which helps in mitigating global warming. However, over the years, oceans had to witness 90 percent depletion of big fish populations and 50 percent destruction of coral reefs due to reckless human activities. World Oceans Day is observed as a reminder every year of the destruction caused by human activities like garbage and sewage disposal and oil leaks. The worldwide ocean economy is valued at around $1.5 trillion per year, making it the seventh largest economy in the world. It is set to double by 2030 to $3 trillion. The total value of ocean assets (natural capital) has been estimated at $24 trillion. Gender and the Ocean Over the years we have seen more women entered career paths which are historically male dominated. More women are now becoming fisher folk, marine meteorologists and female oceanographers. Our governments should continue to encourage and give support to this gender shift in career path as more women continue to break the proverbial glass ceiling. Undoubtedly, representation matters and the voices of women are critical regarding the discourse on oceans and sustainable development. The Oceans The five oceans are connected and are actually one huge body of water, called the global ocean or just the ocean. The five oceans are: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and the Southern Ocean which is off the coast of Antarctica. The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean covering more than 30% of the Earth. This is close to half of the water on Earth. The equator divides the Pacific Ocean into two separate parts – the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is situated between the Americas and European/African continents. The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest and saltiest ocean in the world. The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean surrounding a densely populated region. It contains an additional 20% of the water on Earth’s surface. In 2000, the Southern Ocean is the newest ocean recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization. The Arctic Ocean is the world’s smallest and shallowest ocean of all 5 oceans. Further to this, it is the coldest and least salty ocean. While Jamaica is not surrounded by an ocean; the island is encircled by the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean Sea is a sub oceanic basic of the western Atlantic Ocean, lying between latitudes 9 degrees and 22 degrees North and longitudes 89 degrees and 60 degrees W. The Way Forward Unfortunately, too many of us see the oceans as a huge garbage receptacle. There needs to be a new vision regarding how we view our oceans and the measures we implement to protect same. The time is now for us to join effort in protecting our oceans. Whether we earn our livelihood from our oceans or not we all have a role to play in protecting the health and viability of our oceans. Be part of the solution as we join the international community in commemorating World Oceans Day. The ocean matters. In the words of Sarah Kay, there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline no matter how many times it’s sent away. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldOceansDay #ProtectOurOceans #SaveOurOceans