United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)

The world’s oceans are so important!

Why?

Here are some of the top reasons from the marine conservation institute:

https://marine-conservation.org/why-protect-the-ocean/

1. The ocean generates over half the oxygen we breathe – Phytoplankton, tiny marine plants that live on the ocean’s surface, photosynthesis and produce an estimated 50-80% of Earth’s oxygen.
2. The ocean contains more than 97% of the world’s water, covering approximately 71% of the entire planet.
3. A healthy ocean regulates climate and reduces climate change impacts ocean currents distribute heat across the globe, regulating temperature and weather. The ocean also absorbs over 90% of the heat and approximately 30% of carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activities.
4. The ocean provides at least 1/5th of the animal protein people eat- meaning it plays an important role in food security.
5. The ocean has so much to offer the livelihoods of millions of people, stimulating local and global economies from the seafood market to tourism.
6. Ocean ecosystems contain ingredients for critical medications.
7. Important for transportation. About 90% of global trade is carried by sea, as well as being an important source of passenger transport and tourism.
8. The ocean provides an incredible source of beauty, inspiration, and recreation – The ocean provides a vast array of recreational opportunities, including diving, snorkelling, boating, fishing, swimming, and many others. Coastal and marine tourism account for a large proportion of global tourism, as people flock to the beauty of the seas.
9. Supports incredible biodiversity, Scientists estimate that over two million species inhabit the marine environment, but we have yet to discover and catalogue over 90% of them.

It is evident that the Oceans of the world are vital. Unfortunately, they are in peril… melting polar ice caps, rising sea temperatures, acidification, overfishing, coral bleaching and plastic pollution are all destroying our gorgeous marine ecosystems.

“With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea.” — Sylvia Earle

It’s time we made some changes! We need to start focusing on caring for and rebuilding our natural environments, to return all the wonders it gives to us on a daily basis.

On 5 December 2017, the United Nations proclaimed a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, to be held from 2021 to 2030.

“This Decade will provide a common framework to ensure that ocean science can fully support countries’ actions to sustainably manage the Oceans and more particularly to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

During the next decade, the United Nations hopes to create a new foundation of strengthened management of our oceans and coasts for the benefit of humanity and the natural environments we live in. 

Using collaborative Ocean Science efforts, the United Nations aims to Support business operations such as shipping, fisheries and aquaculture as well as conservation activities and tourism operations by predicting and preventing potential ocean hazards to avoid disaster. 

Ocean Sciences span across a variety of disciplines such as physical, geological, marine biology and chemical oceanography. Studies can specifically look at a multitude of areas including; marine organisms, ecosystem dynamics, currents, waves, tectonics, geology of sea floors, presence of certain chemicals and physical properties. 

In 2016 the First World Ocean Assessment was released. The report noted that the ocean is in a cycle of decline, with the structure, functioning and benefits of marine systems changing for the worse as climate change continues to wreak havoc on the natural world. It is expected that over the decades to come, climate change, the ever-growing population and additional environmental stressors will have devastating impacts. 

The Ocean decade vision is to develop scientific knowledge, build infrastructure and foster relationships for a sustainable and healthy ocean.  

The Decade of Ocean Science offers a framework to strengthen connections and weave partnerships between all communities working to study, conserve and sustainably use the ocean and its resources.

Through stronger international cooperation, scientific research and innovative technologies the Ocean Decade has the goal to provide:

1. A clean ocean where sources of pollution are identified and removed
2. A healthy and resilient ocean where marine ecosystems are mapped and protected
3. A predictable ocean where society has the capacity to understand current and future ocean conditions
4. A safe ocean where people are protected from ocean hazards
5. A sustainably harvested ocean ensuring the provision of food supply
6. A transparent ocean with open access to data, information and technologies
7. An inspiring and engaging ocean where society understands and values the ocean.

Amazing initiative, not just a day but a whole decade committed to saving our oceans!

At Planet Protector we love our ocean’s and we love the earth.

We are committed to providing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that don’t harm the environment. There is far too much waste in the world… Planet Protectors WOOLPACK liners utilise 100% waste wool wrapped in Recycled Food grade HDPE Film. Once removed from the film, the wool felt is biodegradable, compostable and can be repurposed for a number of uses (check out the “end of life” Album on our Facebook page for some creative ideas!). The film can be recycled at REDcycle (Drop off centres located at most of your local Woolworths and Coles- https://www.redcycle.net.au/ ) for those in Australia and at Soft Plastics NZ for those in New Zealand (find your nearest location on their website – https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/)

For more information contact us via enquiries@planetprotectorpackaging.com