Oceans critical to our existence
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 07,2021 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 07,2021
1659642
Staff Reporter
Muscat, June 7
Oceans are critical to the future of our planet as they regulate the climate and generate income and livelihoods for millions of people who depend on fisheries and aquaculture to make a living. They also generate 80 per cent of our oxygen. However, obstacles such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and over fishing are threatening their future and the precious resources they provide for food and livelihoods. A healthy and sustainable ocean is a necessity, not an aspiration.
In 2008, with the view to raising awareness on Oceans as an essential component of the Earth’s ecosystem, and a source of biodiversity, food, and life, the United Nations designated June 8 as World Oceans Day. The goal of this celebration is to inform the public of the impact of human actions, develop a worldwide movement of citizens, as well as mobilise people around the world on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
The theme selected by the United Nations for this year is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”.
The World Oceans Day serves to inform people about the importance of protecting waterways, watersheds and ocean waters and habitat and to encourage citizens of the world to take action to preserve and protect the oceans. Furthermore, the theme is especially relevant ahead of the celebration of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, scheduled from 2021 to 2030 with the view to strengthening international cooperation to develop scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society.
As a technical agency of the United Nations aiming at eliminating hunger and achieving food security in the world, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is working with countries and partners across the world to ensure oceans, seas and marine resources are used sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations. FAO is responsible for binding and non-binding instruments negotiated with member countries that can help achieve SDG 14. FAO also provides countries with information on optimum levels of fishing, aquaculture and fair and secure access to living aquatic resources and markets.
The Sultanate of Oman, a coastal nation endowed with an extensive maritime history, has identified fisheries and aquaculture as one of the key pillars of its vision 2040 to diversify its national economy.
It is constantly looking for ways to improve the contribution of its seas to the Blue Economy which encompasses the Sultanate’s vision for developing opportunities in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Logistics/Shipping, Offshore Oil and Gas, Offshore Renewable Energy and Marine Mining.
One example of these efforts is the fish production in the Sultanate that rose by 38 per cent between 2019 and 2020 to reach nearly 800,000 metric tonnes.
Muscat, June 7
Oceans are critical to the future of our planet as they regulate the climate and generate income and livelihoods for millions of people who depend on fisheries and aquaculture to make a living. They also generate 80 per cent of our oxygen. However, obstacles such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and over fishing are threatening their future and the precious resources they provide for food and livelihoods. A healthy and sustainable ocean is a necessity, not an aspiration.
In 2008, with the view to raising awareness on Oceans as an essential component of the Earth’s ecosystem, and a source of biodiversity, food, and life, the United Nations designated June 8 as World Oceans Day. The goal of this celebration is to inform the public of the impact of human actions, develop a worldwide movement of citizens, as well as mobilise people around the world on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
The theme selected by the United Nations for this year is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”.
The World Oceans Day serves to inform people about the importance of protecting waterways, watersheds and ocean waters and habitat and to encourage citizens of the world to take action to preserve and protect the oceans. Furthermore, the theme is especially relevant ahead of the celebration of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, scheduled from 2021 to 2030 with the view to strengthening international cooperation to develop scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society.
As a technical agency of the United Nations aiming at eliminating hunger and achieving food security in the world, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is working with countries and partners across the world to ensure oceans, seas and marine resources are used sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations. FAO is responsible for binding and non-binding instruments negotiated with member countries that can help achieve SDG 14. FAO also provides countries with information on optimum levels of fishing, aquaculture and fair and secure access to living aquatic resources and markets.
The Sultanate of Oman, a coastal nation endowed with an extensive maritime history, has identified fisheries and aquaculture as one of the key pillars of its vision 2040 to diversify its national economy.
It is constantly looking for ways to improve the contribution of its seas to the Blue Economy which encompasses the Sultanate’s vision for developing opportunities in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Logistics/Shipping, Offshore Oil and Gas, Offshore Renewable Energy and Marine Mining.
One example of these efforts is the fish production in the Sultanate that rose by 38 per cent between 2019 and 2020 to reach nearly 800,000 metric tonnes.