June 8th, World Oceans Day
Rising sea level and acidification reaffirm the urgency of actions in favor of the oceans
- The increase in sea surface temperature is one of the great threats that coral reefs face.
- FAICO and ACMC will hold a discussion on “Future Perspectives of Oceanic Marine Protected Areas in Costa Rica: Uniting Voices for the Ocean”.
San Jose, June 7, 2022. Despite the many calls and warnings about the impact that greenhouse gas emissions have on the planet, the outlook continues to be critical, as noted in the most recent report on climate change, released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Among the effects that worry experts the most are: greater acidification (this phenomenon makes the seas become more acidic because of the continued absorption of carbon present in the atmosphere), the constant melting of sea ice and glaciers, which means that the sea level will continue to rise, and the weather conditions will be more and more extreme, as is currently observed.
Despite this critical outlook, we still have an opportunity to reduce the consequences of climate change, but to achieve this, it is necessary to join efforts and develop actions that have a direct impact, such is the case of the recent expansion of marine protected areas around Cocos Island, which reinforces the image of Costa Rica as one of the first nations to protect at least 30% of the land and sea surface, a goal that it hopes to achieve by 2030.
Within the framework of World Oceans Day that is celebrated this June 8, Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO), together with the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC), call for action to contain the deterioration in the health of our oceans. Both organizations replicate the call of the United Nations (UN), which asks to UNITE THE VOICES FOR THE OCEANS.
For Alejandra Villalobos, Executive Director of FAICO, actions and measures must be implemented in the short term since, according to what she states, “the oceans are the main source of life, which also stabilize the climate and accumulate carbon, acting as a gigantic sink for greenhouse gases”. The contributions of the oceans are countless and let´s not forget that they also house an unimaginable amount of biodiversity and directly support human well-being”.
Gina Cuza, director of the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC) calls for actions with greater impact and resilience: “our oceans are the lungs of the planet, an important source of food, health, recreation, and a fundamental part for the balance of all forms of life in the biosphere. Unfortunately, human beings have executed actions that lead to the degradation of marine ecosystems, and if a change is not generated, this negative impact may be irreversible,” Cuza warned.
Ocean Day Celebration
In this context, the Cocos Marine Conservation Area and FAICO, Friends of Cocos Island Foundation, organized a virtual discussion called “Future Perspectives of Oceanic Marine Protected Areas in Costa Rica: Uniting Voices for the Ocean”.
The objective of this activity is to raise awareness and educate about the fundamental role of marine protected areas on the sustainability of our oceans. In addition, during the meeting, emphasis will be placed on the efforts made by Costa Rica on marine conservation issues and on the challenges and actions that are still pending.
The activity will be open to the public and will be carried out on:
Day: June 9
Time: 3 pm
It will be streamed through the Facebook of Cocos Island National Park and FAICO, Friends of Cocos Island Foundation.
