On June 8, people celebrate World Oceans Day, a significant occasion that highlights the crucial role oceans play in our lives and the urgent need to protect them. This year, under the theme “Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate,” we are reminded that our oceans, ecosystems and climate are inseparably linked and that the time for action is now.
Why Oceans Matter More Than Ever
Oceans are the heart of our planet, covering over 70% of its surface and housing an incredible diversity of life. They regulate our climate by acting as carbon sinks, supply food, and provide different streams of livelihood. Despite their crucial role in supporting life on Earth, oceans are under increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. World Oceans Day serves as a crucial reminder that our actions today will determine the health of our oceans tomorrow.
Understanding the Theme of World Oceans Day 2024
This year’s theme, “Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate,” focuses on the urgent need for impactful measures to protect oceans and mitigate climate change. It emphasises the interconnectedness of ocean health and climate stability, urging us to take proactive steps to address these challenges.
- Urgent Action for Ocean and Climate Health: Oceans absorb around a quarter of global CO2 emissions, protecting us against the worst impacts of climate change. However, this also leads to ocean acidification, which harms marine life. Protecting oceans means fighting climate change and vice versa.
- Innovative Solutions and Global Collaboration: From advanced technologies to community-led initiatives, innovation and cooperation are key to tackling ocean and climate challenges. A collective push towards sustainable practices and robust policy measures is needed.
The Critical Issues: Ocean and Climate Challenges
- Marine Pollution: Oceans are drowning in plastic waste and chemical pollutants, which harm marine life and human health. Reducing pollution requires comprehensive waste management and global cooperation.
- Overfishing and Habitat Destruction: Unsustainable fishing practices and habitat destruction are reducing fish stocks and putting marine ecosystems at risk.
- Rising Sea Levels: Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems. Protecting and restoring coastal habitats can help buffer against these impacts.
Circular Farming: A Path to Ocean Conservation
As we commemorate World Oceans Day, it’s important to highlight projects that align with the goals of ocean conservation and climate action. One such initiative is the Horizon Europe INCiTiS-FOOD project which is implementing circular farming solutions aimed at promoting sustainable food production while minimising environmental impact. By introducing innovative agricultural practices across Africa, this project aims to establish a food system that benefits both terrestrial and marine environments, ensuring the provision of nutritious food to local communities.
Circular farming focuses on creating agricultural systems that replicate the regenerative and self-sustaining characteristics of natural ecosystems that emphasise the efficient and regenerative use of resources, minimising waste, and closing the nutrient loops within the farming system. These practices have a significant positive impact on ocean conservation in the following ways:
- Reducing Pollution: Conventional farming techniques often involve extensive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which can infiltrate water bodies through runoff or leaching and harm marine ecosystems. On the other hand, circular farming methods reduce the need for these chemicals, thereby decreasing pollution into rivers and eventually the oceans.
- Mitigating Overfishing: Overfishing poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity due to the depletion of fish stocks needed to meet growing food demands. Circular farming focuses on cultivating sustainable and nutritious land-based food sources, lessening the demand for wild-caught fish and alleviating pressure on marine ecosystems. By producing food locally and sustainably, the project also strengthens community food supplies and reduces other negative impacts along the food value chain.
- Preserving Marine Habitats: Destructive fishing practices and coastal development have severely damaged critical marine habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. By advocating for land-based circular farming systems, INCiTiS-FOOD helps to protect these vulnerable ecosystems, reducing the need for expanded aquaculture operations into the ocean.
This holistic approach not only supports sustainable food production but also plays a vital role in conserving our oceans and mitigating the effects of climate change. For more details of the project, visit the INCiTiS-FOOD website.
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