Islamabad (Web Desk): The World Oceans Day is being observed across the globe, including Pakistan today (Thursday).
This year theme of the Day is "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing" which is aimed at protecting oceans and taking steps to maintain the balance of ecosystems.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman ohas urged the masses to unite this year to tackle the critical issue of plastic pollution in the oceans as the oceans produce 50 to 75 per cent of the earth’s oxygen.
In her message on World Oceans Day, the minister said that the Day was being celebrated all over the world including Pakistan.
She said the day aimed to raise global awareness of the importance of oceans and promote their conservation and sustainable management.
“The entire planet’s ecology depends on the oceans. Plastic pollution is a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. It is estimated that there are millions of tons of plastic in our oceans. Global reports indicate that 8 to 12 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year,” Sherry Rehman added.
“If this trend continues, one day there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans,” she said. Nature has blessed Pakistan with a marine ecosystem, harmful effects of plastic waste on our own oceans should not be ignored as Pakistan presents a 7Rs road-map to combat plastic pollution, the minister said.
“We have announced a phased ban on single-use plastic items, with the aim of reducing its consumption and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. We have also introduced a Hazardous Waste Management Policy for hazardous waste. However, international cooperation is essential to tackle plastic pollution in the oceans,” said the Minister.
She demanded that the nation take a pledge to protect the beautiful ocean on World Oceans Day.
16bb606a8dcccd857600c39107c46d0b
Meanwhile, Pakistan Navy has re-vowed its commitment to prevent and redress the damages to the oceans, the Radio Pakistan reported.
In a message on the occasion of World Oceans Day being observed today, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi underscored the need to find new and innovative solutions to deal with the increasing threats to the oceans.
He said Pakistan Navy is playing all out role in promoting safe and sustainable use of marine resources.
