The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has conducted a workshop to raise awareness about the state of the oceans, with a special focus on Africa.
The workshop aimed to address pressing ocean conservation issues facing the continent brought together stakeholders in the blue economy, including oceanographers, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), ministry representatives, fisheries, maritime workers, unions, policy experts, academics, as well as civic society organizations.
Nnimmo Bassey, the Director of HOMEF, harped on the widespread misconception that the ocean is a limitless resource.
Bassey stressed that the ocean’s exploitation is a result of this very misconception.
“Standing on the shore, gazing out at the horizon, it’s easy to feel that the ocean stretches on forever. However, our perception is limited by our field of vision. In reality, the ocean is finite, bounded by the Earth’s geography.
“The misconception that the ocean has no limits has led to its exploitation.
“Recognizing the ocean’s finite nature is crucial for sustainable management and conservation. I’m excited to explore this topic further with you all today,” Bassey explained.
Speaking on the pressing issue of coastal degradation, he stated that the primary concern revolves around the access communities have to the ocean and the alarming decline of coastlines, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
He noted that various factors, including overexploitation and climate change, restrict people’s access to the resources that the ocean offers.
He also emphasized the need for urgent action as he encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborate on strategies to address these challenges.
Williams Akanbi, Director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI), a key partner in the event, said the ocean is the largest entity on Earth, covering approximately 71% of the planet’s surface.
Exploring the ocean’s vastness and its interconnectedness, Akanbi said there exists the need to view the ocean as one entity, rather than isolated segments.
“According to the Ocean Literacy Principle, there is only one ocean. Contrary to what we learned in the past – that there were five separate oceans – we now recognize that these distinct bodies are interconnected, forming a single global ocean.
“To truly understand the ocean, we must consider multiple perspectives: physical, ecological, cultural, emotional, and spiritual,” Akanbi explained.
He also addressed the challenges facing the ocean, including overfishing and habitat destruction. “The ocean faces numerous challenges, including overfishing and habitat destruction, which test its resilience,” Akanbi said. Despite these pressures, he emphasized the ocean’s ability to regenerate and adapt, stressing that this inherent resilience underscores the importance of responsible stewardship.
Akanbi pointed to the effects of climate change on the ocean, particularly ocean acidification adding that the impact of climate change extends beyond marine life, affecting coastal communities dependent on marine resources.
“Ocean acidification affects many marine organisms, including fish, which are a vital food source for humans.
“The consequences of climate change are far-reaching, forcing marine animals to migrate or adapt. Coastal communities that depend on marine resources are severely impacted,” Akanbi noted.
He recounted witnessing firsthand the disappearance of communities due to coastal erosion.
“Last year, I visited an area where several communities had vanished due to coastal erosion. The devastating effects of climate change are undeniable, and it’s essential we take immediate action to mitigate its impacts.”
The workshop concluded with an emphasis on the need for collective efforts to embrace sustainable practices and ensure the health of the ocean for future generations.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance was His Royal Highness, Oba Oluwanbe Ojagbofunmi, the Ogeloyinbo of Ayetoro community and spiritual head of The Holy Apostles’ Church in Aiyetoro Headquarters. His presence lent further importance to the event especially his community- Ayetoro, a community with deep connection to the ocean and the challenges it faces.