THE PUNCH RESOURCES
World Ocean Day:
a reminder of how vital the oceans
are to maintaining life on Earth
World Ocean Day:
a reminder of how vital the oceans are to maintaining life on Earth
June 2024 – By The Punch Editors
World Ocean Day serves as a reminder of how vital the oceans are to maintaining life on Earth, since they supply oxygen, control the climate, and are home to a wide variety of marine species. It's critical that we concentrate on sustainability initiatives that can help protect these priceless ecosystems for coming generations.
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Over 70% of the Earth's surface
is made up of oceans, which are home to millions of species and biodiversity.
THE CHALLENGES
Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are home to millions of species, many yet to be discovered. They are a crucial source of food, medicine, and financial resources. Oceans also regulate the climate by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide and produce the majority of the oxygen we breathe, making them essential to life as we know it.
Despite their crucial importance, the oceans face unprecedented pressure from human activities. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change are key threats to marine ecosystems. In particular, plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the oceans annually. This harms marine life and adversely affects human health and livelihoods.
WORLD OCEAN DAY
World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on June 8th, is a global event that brings people together to honor and protect the world's oceans. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth, providing oxygen, regulating climate, and supporting a diverse array of marine life. As we celebrate World Ocean Day, it's essential to focus on sustainability efforts that can help preserve these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Sustainable practices are crucial to finding solutions to these problems and ensuring the long-term health of our oceans, using resources to meet current needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own.
This involves practicing sustainable fishing techniques, reducing carbon emissions, and minimizing plastic consumption. Key actions include restoring and preserving coral reefs and mangroves, and protecting marine environments by establishing marine protected areas. Promoting responsible tourism and educating communities about the importance of ocean conservation are also vital. By adopting these sustainable practices, we can ensure that our oceans remain a thriving and essential part of our global ecosystem.
Every action counts when it comes to preserving our oceans. Here are a few easy, yet impactful ways you can support the sustainability of the oceans:
1. REDUCING SINGLE USE PLASTIC
Single-use plastics, such as straws, bags, and bottles, are a major contributor to environmental pollution. They often end up in oceans and waterways, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Simple changes, like using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, can significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste generated daily.
Many companies now offer eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, and legislation banning certain plastic products is increasingly common. Supporting policies and businesses that promote sustainable practices can amplify these efforts. By making conscious choices and advocating for systemic change, individuals can help reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment for future generations.
2. PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
Sustainable seafood is caught or farmed in a way that minimizes negative effects on the environment and maintains healthy fish populations. Selecting seafood that is sustainably farmed contributes to the preservation of ocean resources and marine habitats. These well-informed decisions support marine life, future generations, and the preservation of the health of the ocean.
3. AWARENESS & EDUCATION
Raising awareness and educating communities about ocean conservation are crucial for fostering a culture of sustainability. Through campaigns, workshops, and educational programs, people learn about the importance of healthy oceans and the impact of their actions on marine ecosystems.
Key knowledge empowers individuals to make environmentally friendly choices, support conservation initiatives, and advocate for policies that protect marine life. Increased awareness and education can drive collective action to preserve our oceans for future generations.
4. COLLECTIVE EFFORTS
Beach and river cleanup initiatives play a vital role in protecting our waterways and marine environments. Organized by community groups, environmental organizations, local governments, and businesses, these cleanups raise awareness about pollution and encourage sustainable practices.
These efforts involve volunteers collecting trash and debris from shorelines, preventing it from entering the ocean and harming marine life. Participating in cleanups helps reduce plastic waste, improves local habitats, and cultivates a sense of environmental responsibility among participants.
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Case Studies
KEVALA CERAMICS
In collaboration with Sara Howard, Kevala started the 'Clay and Coral Restoration Programme' in 2022, working with the Maldives' Patina. This workshop invites the public to handcraft ceramic structures where live coral fragments are planted and integrated into nearby reefs. Since then, the company has expanded to Lombok, offering the course at Kevala Studio. Half of the proceeds go to the Indonesia Biru Foundation to support coral reef restoration efforts.
OLAMII
Olamii has partnered with Coral Gardeners, a charity dedicated to coral reef restoration. Coral Gardeners’ mission is to revolutionize ocean conservation through active reef restoration, awareness campaigns, and innovative solutions to protect the world’s coral reefs. Given the founder Ola's personal connection with the ocean, it was a natural decision for Olamii to contribute to the revival of reef ecosystems.
SUNGAI WATCH
Sungai Watch is an environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Bali’s rivers by developing simple technologies to prevent plastic pollution from reaching the ocean. They organize cleanups at illegal dumpsites and along riverbanks to keep plastic out of rivers and work to enforce proper waste management at the local level.
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