RIFKA ZIYARD
COLOMBO : World Oceans Day is observed annually on 8 June to create awareness of the benefits one has experienced from the ocean so far and to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, to develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable development of the world’s oceans.
The theme, this year is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”. Further World Oceans Day 2021 is considered a declaration of intentions to launch a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”, by 2030. The intention is that the decade (2021-2030) will strengthen international cooperation to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society.
As per United Nations (UN), the ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Further, Ocean is key to the world economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Unfortunately, for all Sri Lankans the World Oceans Day will be an unforgettable experience to the extent of the unimaginable disaster caused by the X-Press Pearl Ship on the Ocean life and livelihoods. The once serene coastal line of Sri Lanka now was ravaged with plastic pellets, perished sea creatures, devastation of coral reefs, loss of livelihoods.
The disaster caused by X-press pearl has still not be quantified in monetary terms neither is it describable in mere words. As per environmentalists and marine experts, the magnitude of the disaster is such that it is considered the worst marine ecological disaster in the annals of Sri Lanka. While the rest of the world thinks of sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources, Sri Lanka has managed to dig a grave for itself on the sea beds. The Government should seek all possible support from local and global experts in the field to salvage whatever possible.
The United Nations (UN) declared World Oceans Day as an official observance day in 2008. The UN has also hosted different themes each year to celebrate the day. The first World Oceans Day was observed in the year 2009 with the theme ‘Our Oceans, Our Responsibility’.
