Barbara Creecy Calls for Collective Action to Combat Marine Pollution on World Oceans Day
By Karabo Marifi
South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has called for heightened efforts to reduce marine pollution through sustainable practices. This includes reducing littering, active participation in beach clean-ups, and recycling initiatives. Creecy’s message comes as South Africa aligns with the global community to commemorate World Oceans Day (WOD), celebrated under the evocative theme ‘Awaken New Depths.’
World Oceans Day: A Global and National Celebration
Observed annually on 8 June, World Oceans Day aims to shed light on the crucial role oceans play in our socio-economic and environmental spheres. This year’s theme, ‘Awaken New Depths,’ highlights the abundance of opportunities and responsibilities tied to our oceanic ecosystems. Notably, June is also recognised as Environment Month in South Africa, further amplifying the importance of this global observance.
“As a maritime nation bordered by three vast oceans — the Atlantic, Indian, and Southern — South Africa acknowledges the significance of our oceanic territory and the need to deepen our understanding and protection of this invaluable resource. Our oceans influence weather patterns, support diverse ecosystems, and provide livelihoods for millions globally, including 40% of South Africa’s population living within 100km of the coastline,” Creecy elaborated.
Safeguarding Our Maritime Heritage
South Africa’s maritime expanse includes an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) stretching 200 nautical miles from the mainland and encompassing territories such as the Prince Edward and Marion Islands, covering an immense 1.5 million square kilometres. Yet, despite the sheer scale of our marine territory, extensive portions of the world’s oceans remain unexplored, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and conservation efforts.
“The theme ‘Awaken New Depths’ captures our commitment to exploring and utilising our oceans’ enormous potential sustainably. Through combined efforts, we strive to enhance our understanding of marine environments and ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations,” Creecy continued.
Addressing Climate-Related Challenges
Creecy underscored the connection between our oceans and recent adverse weather conditions experienced in South Africa, which have caused property damage and loss of life. She pointed out that the severe weather in the Eastern and Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions resulted from air-sea interaction processes. South African scientists, along with international collaborators, are diligently studying these phenomena to better understand their frequency and magnitude, with the goal of mitigating their impacts.
“The heavy rains in these regions are a sobering reminder of our oceanic interconnectivity. By working together, we can unlock the vast potential of our oceans while preserving their ecological integrity for generations to come. As we commemorate World Oceans Day, let us awaken to the depths of our oceans and embrace our role as custodians of these precious resources.”
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