By Kaeley Sterkel
What is World Ocean Day?
The start to World Ocean Day was fueled by the common care for our blue planet by millions of people around the world. This day reminds us of the fragile state of our oceans and by working together we will restore and protect the oceans all year round. 1992 was the first year the concept of World Ocean Day was proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio by Canada. The start of this holiday was to begin global promotion World Ocean Day in collaboration with global partners. Over the years and dedication, World Ocean Day now has over 1,000 online and onsite events in 140 countries as well as over 1,100 organizations in 84 countries committed to the global petition to protect 30% of our lands and oceans by 2030.
30x30
The World Ocean Day organization is committed to protect at least 30% of our lands, waters, and ocean by 2030. It is no secret that to have a health ocean there needs to be a stabilized climate and ample wildlife. At this moment, less than 8% of the ocean and 17% of land worldwide is protected. This is not enough to sustain our planet. Studies have shown that if 30% of the world’s land and oceans were protected the global economy would benefit from protected areas, evidence proves that nature conservation pushes for economic growth.
What is Being Done
At this moment in time the outline for 30x30 is running through congress and with the support of over 300 groups around the nation the progress of this proposition is running fast. The early efforts involve creating more parks and outdoor opportunities in nature deprived communities. This would include communities that have been neglected and unkept. We can also create more jobs by investing in restoration of parks and cities. There can also be a reward given to voluntary conservation efforts of fishers, ranchers, farmers, and forest owners. This will motivate more people to adapt to a healthier earth.
We are on the cusp of an environmental emergency with nature becoming lost or degraded.
What actions can you make this World Ocean Day and everyday, that can and will stop any further loss to our beautiful blue planet?
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