#YoPorLosOcéanos and you?

Who has not seen the image of the sea turtle with a straw in its nostrils or of the beached whales whose stomachs are full of plastic ? Who has not read about the impacts of the atypical increase of seaweed on the Caribbean coral reef and its effect on tourism? Who has not read about the consequences of the accelerated pace at which the glaciers are being devastated? In recent years, news about the damage we are causing to the oceans have increased at an alarming rate; experts warn us that we cannot let more time pass if we want to avoid an even greater environmental disaster .

Although we do not see them every day, the oceans and their benefits are present in many areas of our lives. They are a source of oxygen , food , recreational activities , and infinite beauty . Fortunately, more and more, we are adopting a new global awareness of the impacts we have caused on them. On this June 8th , we celebrate World Oceans Day and we can all—and should—join in the conversation about what we must do to protect them. Therefore, I invite you and all the people who want a healthy future for our oceans to join the #YoPorLosOcéanos campaign . We have little time left and we need governments, companies, scientists, press, and citizens to join the cause before we reach an irreparable point.

Oceans

not only cover more than 70% of the planet's surface , but their immense biodiversity is the origin of many natural processes that maintain the order of global ecosystems. The oceans are the true lungs of the planet ; they house microorganisms called phytoplankton which is the base that sustains the life of the rest of the marine organisms and generates 50% of the oxygen of the entire planet. Oceans also reduce the effects of global warming by absorbing and redistributing excess heat from the planet. Marine ecosystems such as those found in mangroves or marshes have been responsible for absorbing half of the carbon dioxide emissions of the last two centuries, and coral reefs have acted as the protection barriers for coasts against hurricanes and storms. In the case of Mexico , when Hurricane Wilma struck the Quintana Roo peninsula in 2005 , a 12-kilometer section of the coral reef managed to significantly reduce the impact of the waves.

In the same way, oceans play a fundamental role in human development . In Mexico , industries that are carried out in the coastal municipalities—such as fishing , aquaculture , energy , tourism , and maritime transport —contribute to 5.27% of national employment, in addition to the 41% of the country’s economic activity generated by the 17 coastal states. This shows us that the seas and the coasts are key to productivity, employment, and the eradication of poverty in entire communities. In terms of food, the proteins derived from the sea represent 17% of the animal protein intake of the world population, a figure that rises to 50% in developing countries. In Mexico, the consumption of fish and seafood is at 12.6kg per capita per year. This figure increases year-by-year, making it clear that the sustainable management of our marine species and ecosystems is key to guaranteeing the food security and nutrition of a growing population, as well as for promoting social and economic development in the country.

All of this data shows us that we have a great debt to the oceans. As we all become more aware of the importance of the oceans, positive news about their state will gain more direct interest. Moreover, the more informed we are, the more forceful our conservation actions will be and the sooner that we act, the faster we will ensure the future of the great biodiversity that the oceans harbor.

We are especially lucky in Mexico , not only do we have 1.6 times more ocean than land, but there are many of us who benefit from the enormous riches of the oceans, their properties, their importance for our natural and cultural heritage, and their way of inspiring us with stunning sunsets and sunrises. Measures such as cutting down on plastic usage are of great help, but they are not enough to counteract the current state of our oceans. It is our duty to generate awareness and contribute to the cause of our daily activities. Actions such as opting for products or services friendly to the environment, choosing candidates that promote environmental sustainability policies , and consuming marine products of sustainable origin all help enormously to protect marine species and their ecosystems. It is time for the next news that we read about the oceans to be about actions that favor their preservation, clean-up campaigns, sustainable initiatives, and social involvement. We have a sea of opportunities in front of us and we must take advantage of them.

Since 2009, the United Nations has appointed and established every year on June 8th , World Oceans Day , but we can do much more throughout the year. Mexico can lead the fight against the deterioration of the oceans. We must make ourselves heard so that both federal and local governments prioritize the environmental agenda since, without the oceans and their biodiversity, Mexico would undergo fundamental changes in all the socioeconomic, demographic, ecological, and cultural aspects that characterize us. That is why I invite you to join the #YoPorLosOcéanos campaign so that together we can amplify this message of what you and I are doing for the sustainability of the oceans in Mexico and so that this campaign translates into a wave of initiatives throughout the country.

Latin America, emerging world leader in ocean protection

sg