The commemoration of World Oceans Day on June 8th aligns with the United Nations Ocean Conference currently taking place in France.
The Day highlights the contributions of the ocean to the world, with a central focus on conservation and sustainable practices, among others.
Here at home, the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Advocacy Network is working on bridging the gap between the environment and human rights.
Head of TTYAN’s human rights department, Arianna Beeray, tells TTT News why this is important: “World Ocean Day really gives youth advocates, ocean experts, a platform where they can showcase their work, showcase their duties and their roles to ocean protection and in particular our ocean covers 70% of the earth’s surface, and the high seas cover 64% of the earth surface.”
Overfishing, pollution, and the disappearance of coral reefs are some of the issues impacting the ocean. Ms. Beeray said adopting the High Seas Treaty, an international ocean compliance framework which sets out clear guidelines for establishing measures that can conserve the ocean and marine life, is one of the solutions.
“For instance, it outlines a requirement for environmental impact assessments to be done if there’s an activity to be done within the high seas. It also provides area-based management tools for marine protected areas. It ensures that genetic resources are managed equitably and fairly, and also all the countries that have signed and ratified to it have the opportunity to advance their technological and marine science capabilities.”
Head of Environmental and Sustainability Department at TTYAN, Regene Pope, said the Network is utilising infographics, reels and TikTok videos to raise awareness on these issues.
“I think that with TikTok and Instagram and Facebook, we are on all these platforms, but it’s not just watch it; it’s watch and share. Get other people encouraged to participate. Come out and do something to change our world, one person at a time. A small thing as just recycling a plastic bottle is still something.”
At the end of the two-week social media campaign, they hope more people become aware of the rising impact of climate change, and more young people are moved to become involved in conservation, protection, and sustainable practices within our environment, especially the ocean.