By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
The vision is clear and the framework has been laid. We must all volunteer to focus on the future and strive to save our oceans from one tip of the Universe clear across to the other.
Sunday, June 4, 2017, will go down as a most historic day. Amongst the hustle and bustle of a very familiar concrete jungle, citizens from across the nation and as far as the world extends, are eager to celebrate and support the role that New York City will play as New York City’s Mayor, Bill de Blasio welcomes the inaugural World Ocean Festival to his great city. This marine masterpiece event has a specific mission to undertake and that is to be a collective voice for the world’s oceans. Millions of people will come together on this monumental day as they stand together to protect our ocean, paving the way for future generations to continue this giant task. The festival has been organized by The Global Brain Foundation drawing famous exhibitors who have chosen to participate in this event, well-known themselves for the work they do for the oceans and their ability to attract others to take part in all kinds of ocean adventure. The City of New York and The Global Brain are joined by leaders in ocean conservation, advocacy, and sustainable development such as Founding Partners Ocean Elders, Mission Blue, and Oceanic, as well Core Supporters including Peace Boat, Connect4Climate, Ocean Collective and NGO Committee on Sustainable Development. The event is made possible by support from Founding Sponsor Toyota USA, creator of the Mirai fuel cell vehicle.
Mayor de Blasio was quoted as saying, “In New York, we are building a more resilient, sustainable and fair city – and that includes supporting and preserving healthy oceans. I am pleased that our city can host the World Ocean Festival focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is vital to our well-being as a coastal city.” The issues that threaten the Ocean range from illegal fishing threatening species, human sustenance, and economies worldwide; to marine pollution in the form of chemical runoff, spills, and proliferation of plastics filling our Ocean and now entering our food chain; to climate change that is killing our coral reefs, flooding human and animal habitats and feeding a disastrous feedback loop of rising world temperatures. The challenge is there but we will fight to the finish and win this battle.
The day itself is meant to inspire, motivate and empower as the emphasis will be given to educational speaker forums all throughout the day covering such crucial topics as ‘Coral Reefs and Climate’, ‘Plastic Pollution’, ‘Fishing and Seafood’ and ‘Urban Ocean.’ Lucky attendees can thank National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey for this amazing opportunity that will send a powerful message.
June 4th is only the beginning leading up to a full schedule for the coming days of ocean conservation and preservation. The World Ocean Festival is a public event on June 4 timed to support The Ocean Conference at UN Headquarters in New York City (June 5-9), where heads of state, ministers, marine experts, civil society and the business community will gather to discuss the rapidly deteriorating health of the world’s ocean and what needs to be done to save it. They will also commemorate World Ocean Day on June 8.
H.E. Peter Thomson, President of the UN General Assembly commented: “The City of New York has shown great leadership in embracing the Sustainable Development Goals, and we welcome the announcement of this public event in support of The Ocean Conference and Sustainable Development Goal 14. This is a critical time for the Ocean. We must rally together and drive conservation and sustainable management of Ocean’s resources.”
Plenty of other activities will be drawing crowds of advocates which will include:
- A public Ocean March in New York City’s waterways in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the New York Police Department Harbor Unit. Interested participants are invited to register at the World Ocean Festival website: http://www.worldoceanfest.com/. The Ocean March route will be published along with viewing sites along the route.
- A public Ocean Village celebrating art, education, innovation and tools for action in support of the Ocean. The Village will take place in Gantry State Park in Long Island City, New York overlooking the East River.
Nonprofit organizations, foundations, committed organizations and other strong leaders for the cause will be rigorously working to promote conservation and sustainable use of the ocean as they appear at the Ocean Village on June 4th.
Now is the time to tweet it to all your friends, family and followers, #SaveOurOcean. This isn’t just about you and me, it is a worldwide movement backed by the United Nations as part of their global goals. Sustainable Development Goal #14 specifically states; “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” The UN is taking steps to develop actions and gain commitments that will reverse the decline in the health of our ocean for the people, the planet and for prosperity.
There could not be a more appropriate city to host this inaugural event. New York City has shown a history of leadership in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals through it’s One New York program. Launched on April 22, 2015, “One New York: The Plan for a Just and Strong City” is an innovative blueprint for the City’s future that focuses on four interdependent visions: growth, equity, sustainability and resiliency.
The World Ocean Festival promises to be a game changer for #SaveOurOcean. Register to come out and see for yourself and participate in the chance of a lifetime.
