The world’s oceans are awe-inspiring, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface and teeming with life. These vast bodies of water play a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate, providing sustenance for billions of people, and supporting an incredibly diverse array of ecosystems. In recognition of their significance, World Oceans Day has emerged as an annual global event that highlights the importance of our oceans and encourages collective action to protect and conserve them.

The World Oceans Day organization, along with global leaders and scientists, has initiated a campaign to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030 to safeguard our future. Currently, less than 17% of land and 8% of the ocean worldwide is protected. Leading scientists worldwide have determined a healthy ocean is a critical part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crises.

This year for World Oceans Day, ProDive, the educators and learners of Community Senior Primary School in rural Port St. Johns took to the beach to do their part in keeping the Oceans clean. We filled many bags with waste found on the beach. This shows us that there is a dire need for everyone to participate and create awareness around the environmental crisis that we are facing. By educating these young minds, we can continue to strengthen the global movement to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030 and safeguard our future.