OURS is definitely a blue planet as oceans
cover about 70 percent of the world’s surface.
Millions of people all over the world depend
on marine resources for their food and livelihood, and yet it is a widely
neglected ecosystem.
Oceans
have been ravaged by pollution, siltation, intense and destructive fishery
practices, as well as the destruction of habitats, such as coral reefs and
seagrass meadows.
With
the celebration of World Oceans Day on June 8, it is, thus, a perfect
opportunity to reflect on the impact of human actions on the marine
environment, as well as champion causes that serve to protect the world’s
oceans.
Here
are ocean facts and figures from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization:
•
Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the globe; only a little over 1 percent of
which is protected.
• An
estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of all life on earth is found under the
ocean surface.
•
Oceans contain 99 percent of the living space on the planet; less than 10
percent of that space has been explored by humans.
•
Phytoplankton releases half of all oxygen in the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
•
Oceans account for 96 percent of all the water on the surface of the Earth, the
remainder being freshwater, in the form of rivers, lakes and ice.
•
Oceans absorb approximately 25 percent of the carbon dioxide added to the
atmosphere from human activities each year.
• Total
carbon deposits in mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows may be up to
five times the carbon stored in tropical forests.
Millions
depend on healthy oceans since they provide food, medicine and jobs in
industries such as fisheries, tourism, transport and energy.
The
oceans are also a vital thermal regulator, since they absorb more than one
quarter of the carbon dioxide released by human activities.
Threats
to ocean environments, however, are increasing, and human activities have
resulted in the deterioration of marine habitats, decrease in fish stock, death
of species that mistake plastic and other debris for food, ocean acidification
and a decreased capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
This
simply means less food, fewer jobs, and increased risks from impacts of climate
change, such as sea-level rise, wave surges from intense weather events,
coastal erosion and others.
What
people do to the oceans are currently affecting some of the world’s poorest
populations, such as fishing communities whose lives directly depend on the
sea’s bounty and whose homes are on the frontline of global warming and climate
change.
As with
all environmental issues, collective action is urgently needed, particularly in
the protection of this common treasure. Ocean debris and other forms of
pollution in one country certainly follow ocean currents and end up in other
territories; destruction of habitats endangers both resident and migratory
species.
It is
important to raise awareness about the significance of oceans and their
economic and social benefits, as well as join efforts to decrease pressure on
marine resources.
As part
of the Month of the Ocean in the Philippines, the Asean Centre for Biodiversity
worked with the Department of Environment-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau,
Nissan Motor Philippines, Shell, and the local province of Batangas in
organizing a media tour and mangrove-tree planting in Calatagan, Batangas.
The
trip to the Ang Pulo Mangrove Conservation Project in Calatagan showcased the
community-led mangrove reforestation and ecotourism project and was highlighted
by the planting of 200 seedlings of mangroves led by Nissan Motor Philippines.
The event showed that collaboration between the government, the business sector
and media, could spread awareness about successful conservation initiatives,
spur environmental action and hopefully the replication of these projects in
other areas.
In the
face of intensifying environmental concerns, it is important to rise to the
challenge and do one’s part. Save on
energy and support the development of renewable-energy resources; reduce litter
and dispose of waste properly; be environment-friendly when traveling to
coastal destinations; and participate in activities to rehabilitate ocean
environments, such beach and marine cleanups and mangrove-tree planting.
The
ocean is actually the last area where one can easily see species in the wild.
Anyone who swims in a beach with healthy corals will be fascinated with the
wonderful colors of the corals, fish and other marine life.
These
will all be lost if we decide to do nothing.
Make a difference by understanding the issue and supporting sustainable
solutions. In celebration of World Oceans Day, do your part to save our blue
planet.
SAHLEE
BUGNA-BARRER
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