Belize joined the rest of the world today in observing World Oceans Day.
It is celebrated annually on June 8th by all member countries of the United Nations in reflection of the importance of these massive bodies of water. Oceans cover over 70% of the planet and are very important to earth's biodiversity. Scientists estimate that oceans produce 50% of Earth's total oxygen. It is home to most of the planet's biodiversity, which provides a major food source for the world's population.
But, for all the benefits that oceans provide, the United Nations says that the human population is extracting more resources from it than can be replenished. 90% of the big fish populations have been depleted, and 50% of coral reefs have been destroyed.
So, to show appreciation for how Belize's marine environment has contributed to the nation's economy, local food security, and the financial independence afforded to those who work in fisheries or tourism, the Ministry of the Blue Economy took the lead in celebrating World Oceans Day. Here's what the keynote speakers at the main event had to say about this year's theme, "Life and Livelihoods":
Kennedy Carrillo - CEO, Ministry of the Blue Economy
"Happy Oceans Day, this morning, I sent this greeting to some colleagues that are in their offices working, and they all sadly exclaimed, we need to be out there at sea, to really be enjoying World Ocean Day. How blessed are we as a country, that is the epitome of what oceanic beauty is? From the extreme of the north, where the Rio Hondo meets the sea and the old Sarstoon, our coastline runs the extremities of our sexy contours as a country, from one point to the next, from one point to the other. And how much more adorned can we be than to have the second largest barrier reef decorating our waters, with colors abound and unknown? Marine life that brings life and livelihoods to the beautiful country of Belize. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation is honored to welcome you and to host such a prestigious occasion."
Hon. Andre Perez - Minister of the Blue Economy
"As your minister of the Blue Economy Ministry, it is indeed a pleasure for me to know that we can all be united, one way or another, to celebrate in just a joyous occasion."
"I'm here in San Pedro, obviously, as you all know, one of the best sites to be celebrating and commemorating such an important day. I proudly share with you that I am seated in your newly established offices of the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, right here in San Pedro. For the first time, do I see such an important ministry opening its offices to provide services to the people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker, right here on the island, with no need to travel inland? This, for us, is a great accomplishment because it speaks of the vision of our ministry to ensure that the blue economy and civil aviation will be for everyone."
The Secretariat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also noted World Oceans Day in a press release this morning.
In that statement, the CARICOM Secretariat says, quote, "CARICOM is committed to promoting the protection and sustainable use of ocean life.... The threat of sea-level rise and coastal hazards from extreme events causes the Community to give priority to improving its relationship with the sea and its critical coastal habitats." End quote.
