Governments, Non-governmental organizations, businesses, communities and even individuals need to collaborate more in working out modalities for ensuring the health of ocean and other water bodies.
International Ocean Institute, Nigeria Center (IOI-Nigeria) and Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) made the call in a joint statement on the 2024 World Ocean Day which was issued in Lagos by the Director, IOI-Nigeria Center
Akanbi Williams.
Williams said the stakeholders “must work together to develop and enforce regulations that protect marine environments, promote research and innovation, and invest in education and awareness”.
According to him, the World Ocean Day, set aside ” by the United Nations highlights the importance of the challenges facing our Ocean.
” Each day is celebrated with a unique theme to heights on an important aspect of the Ocean. This year’s theme is “AWAKEN NEW DEPTHS”
“We celebrate World Ocean Day under this inspiring theme (Awaken New Depths) that calls us to explore the untapped potentials within our oceans and ourselves.
“It urges us to delve deeper into our understanding, compassion, collaboration, and commitment, particularly through the promising lens of the Blue Economy.
“Understanding calls us to deepen our understanding of the ocean’s complex ecosystems and the pivotal role they play in our lives.
“Compassion is to awaken our deeper sense of compassion for the ocean and its inhabitants with each of us contributing to this cause of reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable seafood, and participating in conservation efforts. We can make compassionate choices to protect marine life and habitats.
“Collaboration makes us know that the challenges our ocean faces are vast and complex, requiring unprecedented collaboration across all sectors of society. Governments, businesses, scientists, and communities must work together to develop and enforce regulations that protect marine environments, promote research and innovation, and invest in education and awareness.
“Commitment calls for a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices and policies involving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, investing in marine renewable energy technologies, developing marine biotechnologies that hold promise for numerous sectors (from pharmaceuticals to sustainable biofuels), and encouraging innovative solutions to harness the ocean’s potential in a way that benefits both people and the planet.
“So, as we celebrate World Ocean Day, let us pledge to “Awaken New Depths” of understanding, action, and compassion that could help us embrace the potential of the Blue Economy to create a future where our oceans are healthy, resilient, and thriving with life.
Together, we create a course toward sustainable prosperity and a blue planet that flourishes for generations to come” said Williams.
The bodies will on the 11™ of June, mark the day with a public lecture with the theme,” Blue Economy: Balancing Economic Growth and Ocean Health”. The event will feature award of prizes to winners of essay and craft competitions from some selected schools.