Ocean
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Director, International Ocean Institute (IOI), Mr Akanbi Williams, has called for enhanced international agreement and policies to address marine issues and ocean conservation.
Williams said this at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) on Tuesday in Lagos in commemoration of the 2024 World Ocean Day (WOD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WOD with the theme: ‘Awaken New Depths,’ was organised by the IOI in collaboration with the NIOMR.
The WOD was set aside by the United Nations and celebrated every June 8.
He said that nations, organisations, and individuals must work together to protect and restore our oceans.
According to him, the ocean covered 71 per cent of the planet’s surface and plays a crucial role in sustaining life on earth.
“The health of our ocean is a global issue that requires global cooperation.
“Nations, organisations, and individuals must work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies to protect and restore our oceans.
“Also, they must support and strengthen international agreements and policies aimed at ocean conservation.
“Also engaging in collaborative projects that address transboundary marine issues and promoting the exchange of scientific data and best practices across borders are essential for
fostering global collaboration,” he said.
Williams noted that the ocean regulates the climate, provides oxygen.
He added that the ocean a vital source of food and livelihood for billions of people was faced with unprecedented threats from pollution among others.
“Our oceans face unprecedented threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
“To “awaken new depths,” we must first awaken to the reality of these challenges.
“We need to educate ourselves and others about the ocean’s significance and the perils it faces.
“Promoting ocean literacy programs in schools and communities, utilising media and social platforms to disseminate factual critical information are all vital steps towards this goal.
“As we celebrate WOD, let us reflect on our profound connection to the oceans and the responsibility we share in protecting them,” he said.
Dr Awwal Bamanga, the guest lecturer who spoke on the topic: ‘Blue Economy: Balancing Economy and Ocean Health’, said that everyone had a stake in the ocean.
Bamanga added that the ocean needed to be managed from over exploitation and pollution.
“The ocean has long been an economic force to reckon with.
“The 2015 briefing puts the value of key ocean assets at over $24 trillion with two third of that based on assets that require healthy and productive ocean.
“Infact based on gross marine product, the ocean may be considered the world’s seventh largest economy.
“By efficient management, the sustainable exploitation of resources in the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers also known as blue economy would contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the global economy,” he said.
Bamanga who said that the ocean, in spite of its importance, was still under intense pressure from local and climate related factors.
“Local factors such as over fishing, coastal overdevelopment, situation and pollution from sewage and runoff threaten to diminish coastal resources and jeopardising the economic viability of the tourism product.
“Climate change problems are manifested through land loss, beach erosion and damage to reefs,” he said.
He added that the ocean had been threatened by the consequences of climate change as a result of a continual increase in atmospheric carbon emissions.
Speaking on blue economy, Bamanga described it as a concept that seeks to promote economic growth, social inclusion and preservation or improvement of livelihoods, at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability.
He said that effective collaborations must be between the private and public stakeholders within the maritime sector to achieve the blue economy.
“The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency must guarantee zero tolerance for non- compliance with maritime safety and security standards in order to eliminate substandard shipping in Nigeria.
“It is really commendable that Nigerian leaders and institutions have recognised the need for us to harness our blue economy.
“It must be recognised, however, that the appropriate strategies must be in place to actualise this dream.
“This is the focus of this latter to essay which seeks to propose means and methods through which Nigeria may actually actualise the dream of a blue economy,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director, NIOMR, Prof. Abiodun Sule, in his opening speech, said the theme was a call to action of the vast unexplored potential that the sea holds.
Represented by Dr Obatola Ochwuko, he said that NIOMR had always been at the fore front of ocean research and conservation.
“Today’s celebration features a series of activities designed to engage, educate and inspire.
“As we celebrate the WOD, let us remember that our actions today will determine the future of our oceans.
“Let us pledge to awaken new depths of knowledge, innovation and commitment.
“Together we can make a difference and ensure our oceans remain vibrant, resilient and bountiful for generations to come,” he said.
NAN reports that some schools were given prizes for their craft competition in commemoration for the WOD. (NAN)
HOB/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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