Make a Splash this World Oceans Day

The time is now

By Nadia Gardner

On June 8th, we will celebrate World Oceans Day, a day dedicated to the preservation of our oceans and their natural habitat. The concept was born during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and is meant to remind us all of the significant role oceans play in our daily lives.

Our oceans are abundantly complex ecosystems, making up more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and are said to be home to an incredible 700,000 species. Experts estimate that they’re responsible for up to 80 per cent of the oxygen we breathe.

However, with global warming causing sea temperatures to rise, marine life is at risk. Rising CO2 levels are impacting shellfish and coral reefs, while overfishing is affecting the balance of our ecosystems. Fashion is among the leading sources of ocean pollution; from microplastics in polyester, to chemicals used to make dyes, the industry causes nearly 20% of all wastewater.

We sat down with Amanda Rushforth, environmental consultant, sustainability advocate and Board Director at Azraq, to share her top tips on how to love our earth more.

Become a More Conscious Consumer

Shop with the world in mind, whether it's choosing something with natural fibres, reading the labels and avoiding chemicals or looking at the ingredients (for things like palm oil), and don’t buy it just because it's on sale. This goes for everything from fashion to home goods and even groceries.

Walk the Walk

Find and join in on local projects like beach clean-ups and mangrove planting to help see the impact we have on the oceans but also to help affect change. Discover more about how you can get involved here.

Spread Awareness

Help convince your local shops and cafes to stop using plastic bags, cups, and straws. Share your experiences on social media and promote slow, local, sustainable sources.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Get your office involved in corporate social responsibility activities with Azraq.

Passionate about marine conservation, Amanda tells us more about how Azraq’s goal is to nourish awareness this World Oceans Day.

“Our purpose is to gather communities from across the UAE and inspire them to make positive changes to help our ocean. Our motto ‘educate, motivate, and activate’ is more than just a tagline, it’s how we achieve success to restore coral reefs, reduce debris, and achieve a healthier ocean. As a volunteer-led organisation, we run activities, workshops and educational events that are focused on awareness and improving biodiversity. We want to encourage corporates, schools and individual ocean ambassadors to make a big change and spread the importance of keeping our ocean alive.”

She adds, “We’re pleased to be accredited by the United National Environment Assembly (UNEA) of the UN Environment Program, enabling Azraq to have a seat at the table in terms of worldwide environmental policy decisions.”

Discover more about Azraq