Oceans act as lungs of the planet, says CNS

The theme 'Gender and Oceans,' explores women's marginal share in ocean-related fields

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy organised a number of events and activities on World Oceans Day on Saturday to spread awareness about the importance of clean oceans, their protection and preservation. These activities included beach cleaning campaigns, lectures and seminars as well as social media campaigns on the significance of the day and. Such events play a pivotal role in enhancing awareness about the importance of clean oceans amongst the general populace.

The theme for this year's World Oceans Day is "Gender and Oceans," which is a unique lens by which to explore humankind's relationship with the oceans. Although women constitute half of the workforce, their share in ocean-related fields is only marginal. Pakistan Navy, being the major stakeholder in the maritime domain, has taken the lead in creating awareness about promoting gender equality in ocean-related fields including marine scientific research, oceanography, fisheries, marine policy-making and management.

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, said that oceans act as the lungs of the planet. The oceans absorb most of the greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide and are the major source of the oxygen we breathe. Naval Chief added that Pakistan Navy has remained cognisant of the significance of clean oceans, so that future generation could also benefit from this treasure trove. He further urged all to reaffirm their commitment to preserving sustainable use of the oceans and marine resources while making conscious efforts to empower women in various ocean-related economic activities.

Every year on June 8, World Oceans Day is celebrated across the world, under the auspices of the United Nations, to highlight the importance of oceans and to create awareness about the role they play in the sustenance of our life on earth. The oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and 70% of the oxygen comes from the oceans.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2019.