A scuba diver supports SEA Pledge on World Oceans Day (on Sunday) in Sodwana Bay.
Mercury Reporter
Many people along the coastline of SA have pledged their support for the world’s seas and shores, undertaking to encourage governments to help look after them.
The campaign, named SEA Pledge, was launched at COP17 and in many coastal areas in both serious and fun events at the weekend.
Four children carried the SEA Pledge petition and resolution to the chairpeople of the Global Ocean Forum and read the resolution to the audience.
The build-up to the launch at COP17 began on October 12 when Sustainable Seas Trust travelled to coastal towns between Sodwana and Saldanha to encourage involvement with COP17 and SEA Pledge. The SEA Pledge team presented 25 lectures and met mayors, clubs, businesses and schools, involving them all in the SEA Pledge initiative for ocean conservation and sustainability.
World Oceans Day, last Sunday (December 3), was marked by children and adults at beach and water venues celebrating the oceans. Many people turned out between Sodwana and Saldanha, with activities including building sand sculptures, such as a giant Handprint for Change, beach clean-ups, penguin releases, scuba diving, outings in boats, painting a giant coelacanth mural and indoor functions such as dinners and braais.
SEA Pledge has been collecting petition signatures as part of its coastal tour. The organisation says it has been 13 years since the UN last had an International Year of Oceans, so given the urgent need to reinvest in better understanding of the seas and marine life, the SEA Pledge petition and resolution calls upon the UN to declare an International Year of Oceans and Coasts.
The petition was accepted by the Global Oceans Forum at which the president, Dr Biliana Cicin-Sain, pledged to endorse and forward the resolution to the UN. The forum
says 29 countries have indicated support for the campaign. Visit the website www.sst.org.za/ma
