Shipping Australia took part in an online celebration earlier this week of the UN’s World Oceans Day, which is officially observed on 08 June each year.
Oceans Day was first declared as 8 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. In 2008, the General Assembly of the United Nations resolved that 8 June would be designated as “World Oceans Day”.
“World Oceans Day reminds us all of the major role the ocean plays in everyday life. It serves as the lungs of our planet, a major source of food and medicine, and a critical part of the biosphere. The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population around the sustainable management of the world’s ocean,” the UN states.
Aurea Palma of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean highlighted the need to preserve our oceans, whether for business or pleasure. She emphasized that the online celebration is being held to raise awareness and understanding of issues affecting the health of the oceans. She expressed her interest in protecting oceans in Australia, particularly in Port Kembla.
She announced that a World Oceans Day clean-up day has been planned for this weekend at Diggies, North Beach, Wollongong at 6:45am. Interested beach cleaners can meet at the North Beach Kiosk. Participants can also receive the chance to enjoy a tug ride on a Svitzer tug at Port Kembla, or a tour of a Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel, also at Port Kembla. All participants will be eligible for a free coffee from Diggies.
Dane Wilmott of the NSW Marine Sanctuary Alliance, which includes various conservation groups like the Australian Marine Conservation Society, National Parks Association, and Marine Parks Association, gave an overview of the Alliance, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of sanctuary zones and provide baseline study areas for scientists to develop good management practices.
He emphasized the need to move towards regeneration and redesigning systems across various sectors, to achieve sustainability. He invited attendees to get involved, shared his email (Da**********@***il.com) and indicated that regardless of where a person is located based, there will be an organization linked to the Marine Parks Alliance.
The online event held earlier this week was sponsored by AAT, QUBE, Svitzer, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, and the Port Authority of NSW.
Further information, including audi0-visual presentations, can be found at the UN’s website. Sign-up for updates and the official online observation from the UN by clicking here.
