Sasihithlu Beach Clean Drive by Eco Warriors and KMC-Attavara
Mangaluru: Celebrated each year on 8 June since 2009, ‘World Oceans Day’ is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. The lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, the oceans are also a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere. The concept of a ‘World Oceans Day’ was first proposed in 1992 as a way to celebrate our world’s shared ocean and our personal connection to the sea, as well as to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in our lives and the important ways people can help protect it. This year the theme is “Preventing Plastic Pollution and Encouraging Solutions for a Healthy Ocean.”
Locally, the World Ocean Day’ was organized by Ms. Usha and Arjun Shivakumar, from ‘Eco Warriors’-Mangaluru, with a project “BEACH CLEAN DRIVE” at Sashihithlu Beach’ on Sunday June 10, 2018. Volunteers from Audiology & Speech Language Pathology Dept – KMC –Attavara; School of Social Work; ECE Dept – NITK and Blue Umbrella – Kudroli, Mangaluru participated to beat the plastic pollution between 7 AM – 10 AM.
Small interaction session with the people staying at shore publicized that they are unaware about the pollution at seaboard and its damage to ocean life. In this context, the team wishes to create awareness to these people residing near the coast in collaboration with the respective Grama Panchayat members in the near future.
Do you know that Plastic pollution is causing tremendous harm to our marine resources. For example: 80% of all pollution in the ocean comes from people on land; 8 million tonnes of plastic per year ends up in the ocean, wreaking havoc on wildlife, fisheries and tourism; Plastic pollution costs the lives of 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals per year; Fish eat plastic, and we eat the fish; and Plastic causes $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems each year.
Plastic trash is a serious problem for our ocean, and especially all the animals that call it home, but together we can be part of the solution. Change starts with you. There are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our plastic consumption. Will you stop using single use plastic bags, bottles and straws to help our ocean? Remember: Use less plastic and recycle the plastic you must use.
pleased to see the efforts made by our youngsters. The hygiene must be imbibed in a child when small. If this is practised vigorously, the generation can see the result. It is sad to see even literate people throw garbage in public places. Our TV channels can also spare a 3 minute per day on Hygiene and cleanliness drive. There must be a will.