World Ocean Day

 

World Ocean Day is observed on 8th June every year since 2009. This years theme is, The Ocean : Life and Livelihoods.

Ocean day is observed to increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of the ocean on earth and the role it plays on our lives. The idea of a World Ocean day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit held in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, but the day was officially established by the United Nations only in 2008. This year also marks the beginning of the UN decade of ocean science for sustainable development from 2021 to 2030. 

Ocean plays a major role in sustaining life on earth. Initiating discussions on the conservation and protection of the ocean is important as much as other ecosystems on the planet, because larger part of our survival depends on the ocean and related activities. The Ocean provides around 50% of the oxygen we breath and absorb 30% of the carbon dioxide on planet earth. The Ocean is earths largest habitat and covers 70% of the earth surface. This large water source helps to control the temperature of the earth atmosphere by absorbing half the heat reaching the earth from the sun. Ocean plays a vital part in the fresh water cycle by generating clouds that bring rain to inland replenishing fresh water supply. 

The Ocean is also our biggest source of food and medicine. Greater percentage of protein consumed by humans come from fish in the ocean. Over 3 billion people across the world depend on the ocean for their livelihood. 

We are also dependable on the ocean as a mode of transport ,creating renewable energy and for recreational activities. 

As of now, the equilibrium of the ocean ecosystem is impacted from increase human activity in the ocean. Besides global warming human activities that directly threatens the sustainability of the ocean and the marine life are plastic pollution, oil spills, over fishing and release of chemical waste to ocean water.We need to continue to put an effort to maintain the equilibrium of the ocean to safe guard the overall health of the earth for a sustainable living.T

The incidents related to Express Pearl and New Diamond off the shore of Sri Lanka has shown how vulnerable the ocean environment to man made destructions. These incidents are not the first and will not be the last . What actions and policies formulated from lessons learnt, and lifestyle changes we adopt will be able to make small changes that can make a big impact on the survival of the largest ecosystem of the planet earth.It is our responsibility to protect the ocean and the marine life. 

Our Ocean is our future.

Background image: Mount Lavinia Beach. December 25,2020.