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‘Revitalize our seas’ UN chief urges on World Oceans Day |


In his message, Secretary General António Guterres reiterates that the three crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, are threatening the health of the oceans, “on which we all ultimately depend”.

“Last month, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed that four key climate indicators broke new records in 2021: sea level rise, ocean heat, ocean acidification and greenhouse gas concentrations,” he said.

Crop the ocean

The ocean produces more than 50% of the planet’s oxygen, is the primary source of nutrition for more than a billion people, and provides work through its industries for some 40 million employees.

However, ocean resources and biodiversity are being destroyed by human activities.

He emphasized that more than a third of the world’s fish stocks are exploited at biologically unsustainable levels, a significant proportion of coral reefs have been destroyed and coastal dead zones are due to pollution. on land is increasing.

“Plastic pollution has reached the furthest islands and deepest trenches of the oceans,” said Mr. Guterres.

‘collective action’ is needed

To achieve Sustainable development goals (SDG) and the goals of Paris Agreement on climate change, he said, “we urgently need collective action to revive the oceans”.

“That means finding a new balance in our relationship with the marine environment… working with nature, not against it, and building a diverse and inclusive partnership between the oceans. regions, sectors and communities for innovative collaboration on ocean solutions.”

Development momentum

Fortunately, he continued, momentum around the world is growing in that direction.

Mr. Guterres recalled that last November, the UN climate conference in Glasgow (COP26) recognized the role marine ecosystems play in achieving the world’s climate goals.

And in March, the countries agreed to work together to implement a new treaty to end plastic pollution that is threatening the marine environment.

Meanwhile at the end of this month, he said that United Nations Ocean Conference in Portugal will focus on scaling action, science-based and innovation to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), about life beneath the water.

Discussions in Lisbon will continue on a new agreement focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Mr. Guterres concluded: “On this World Oceans Day, I call on all those with a stake in ocean health to come together to revitalize our seas and oceans.

Window on the sea

The day also saw the launch of the 2022 winners World Oceans Day photography contest.

The contest is organized by the United Nations and is led by underwater photographer Ellen Cuylaerts and the photos were selected by a jury of Rathika Ramasamy, Sirachai Arunrugstichai and Y Zin Kim, each of whom are photographers or artists. famous in the world.

One winner and two finalists were selected from each of the following six categories: Landscape on the water; Coastal community; Underwater seascape; Nature-based solutions & ocean exploration; Marine; and Revival.


A marine biologist examining a reef aquarium inside a lab at the Australian Institute of Marine Science has won the top photographer award in the Nature Based Solutions & Ocean Discovery category. positive.

© Giacomo d’Orlando

A marine biologist examining a reef aquarium inside a lab at the Australian Institute of Marine Science has won the top photographer award in the Nature Based Solutions & Ocean Discovery category. positive.



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