UN leads observance of World Oceans Day

MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations leads the observance today of World Oceans Day, which seeks to remind the public about how crucial the oceans are for humankind’s survival.

This year’s theme is: “Together we have the power to protect the ocean!”

“All stakeholders must be involved in the rehabilitation of the Philippine seas,” said Dr. Perry Aliño of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute at a press briefing called by Greenpeace.

“We need to strengthen our existing social and ecological networks. Government mechanisms must be set up, with concrete solutions such as increasing the number and effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas,” he added.

According to the Greenpeace report “Oceans in the Balance,” the world is fast destroying marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests and is “extracting more and more fish from the sea than it can sustainably provide.”