For the past years, the city has always marked June as month of the ocean, highlighting how we have to work double time to save our seas from further degradation.
This year, the pandemic Covid-19 has made it more urgent than ever for us to recognize how important our environment’s health is in our own survival. The global movement World Oceans Day, is calling on global leaders to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030 – a campaign called 30×30.
“By safeguarding at least 30% of our ocean through a network of highly protected areas we can help ensure a healthy home for both marine and human life. Jeff Demain, World Oceans Day Manager, said that the number of events have increased this year through online actions. “Where safe, there are also a number of beach cleanups around the globe. The key conservation message of protecting 30% of our land and ocean by 2030 is being carried far and wide in this year’s network.”
Since most of the countries are on lockdown, the campaign went digital and was effective with events such as online petition signing for the preservation of 30% of the planet.
The Philippines State of Oceans and Coasts Report in 2018, showed that the country is bent on moving towards a blue economy that is sustainable and adheres to standards set by the ASEAN region and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
In the city, the COVID-19 pandemic crippled activities to promote initiatives to protect our ocean. But, taking action to protect our seas is a continuous effort and even as we face the contagion, we should still participate by being responsible in little things like proper waste disposal and refraining from using plastics.
‘No water, no life; no blue, no green,” said a Council member of NIgeria, Toluwanimi Olubanke.
