Wednesday 8th June was World Oceans Day, an occasion when all of us can reflect on the important role oceans play in our sustainable development. 

Here in Belize we are lucky that so many of us live near the sea, but for millions worldwide, the only contact they have with the ocean is when they go to the beach for holiday or when they eat fish caught from the sea.

Whether you live in a coastal town like Dangriga or inland in a place like Trial Farm, everyone use products and eat foods that would not be available if it were not for the oceans.  A few examples of such products include shampoos, allergy medicines, toothpaste, yogurt and peanut butter to name a few.  All of these carry red algae or “carrageen,” which is taken from the ocean and is used to give consistency to these products.  In so many ways the oceans are an indispensable part of our lives.

So on Oceans Day we must all take the time to recognize not only the value of the oceans, but also to commit ourselves to their protection.  For too long we have used the oceans as a dumping ground for every kind of waste.  Our actions have caused damage that will take centuries to repair and have resulted in severe challenges as it relates to our oceans sustainability.  These challenges range from the deterioration of the marine environment to a serous reduction in the number of fish in the sea. 

Of course there is always a silver lining; the first is the recognition that we have to change our behaviour.  Most of us are now convinced that climate change is real and that it is affecting our oceans in a very bad way.   As a result of this knowledge we are taking the time to do the research and the studies to see how climate change is affecting our oceans and seas. And through this knowledge we are starting to change our behaviour for the better.  Also, as a result of this awareness, major world initiatives like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other agreed treaties that govern, not only how we protect our oceans, but also they have brought us together to agree on how we will meet the challenges and ensure the sustainable development of our oceans and seas.

Through cooperation we have all come to understand that there are three components to ensuring the sustainable development of our oceans and seas namely an environmental, social and economic component. 

In Belize, the Caribbean Sea is extremely important to our sustainable development. From an environmental perspective, we must ensure that we do all possible to protect our fragile eco system.   Already we must contend with the issue of coral bleaching due to the warm water temperature.  There is also the concern of rising sea levels, which could seriously affect our low lying coasts like Belize City, the largest urban centre in our country.  Manmade disasters such as oil spills and the dumping of toxic waste can kill our fish stock, further damage the reef and seep into our fresh water supply.

From a social perspective, the sea gives life to a number of activities and with so many coastal communities is at the epicentre of our social life in Belize.  From vacationing on the islands, to strolling along the sea for a leisurely walk, Belizeans love for the sea is central to our culture.

The largest single foreign currency earner of our country is the tourism industry.  Today San Pedro remains the most visited tourist destination in Belize.   From the many cayes to the coastal towns and Cities, the sea including the Belize Barrier Reef, is the main draw for tourists who visit Belize.  Add to that the fishing industry and the value of the Caribbean Sea to our economic sustainable and development unquestionably the highest. 

We all live in an interconnected world and we share the resources of this plant, this means that our actions can negatively affect someone thousands of miles away from us.  If we are to share our oceans with others, that we too must do our part to care for and protect this most valuable resource and in so doing ensure that our oceans continue to provide for us today and for generations to come.