World Ocean Day is commencing sustainable innovation.
World Ocean Day celebrated on international platform arouses the chances of commencing sustainable innovation worldwide. On 8th June, every year United Nations celebrates the World Ocean Day under an assigned theme to remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. This year the theme of the day is ‘Innovation for a sustainable Ocean’. As these oceans not mere provide the oxygen more than the rainforests across the globe but are responsible in maintaining a normal ecosystem and simultaneously regulating the earth’s climate.
The World Ocean Day also hold a great significance to Pakistan and Pakistan Navy being its stakeholder also celebrates the day with joy. Fortunately, Pakistan is blessed with more than a 1000 kilometres coastline and a colossal area of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). (EEZ) covers an area of about 240,000 sq. kilometres further extends by about 50,000 sq. km.
This makes Pakistan the first country in North Indian Ocean Region, whose case for extension of Continental Shelf has been approved by the UN.
This augmentation was granted to Pakistan due the relentless efforts made by Pakistan Navy who fought for the claim in the UN to acquire the independent rights over the seabed and subsoil for exploration and use of marine resources including energy production.
Every year, Pakistan Navy celebrates international events like World Oceans Day and World Maritime Day for raising awareness of both the naval community and the countrymen about various environmental challenges facing Pakistan’s coastal regions.
Fish and seafood industry in Pakistan alone has the potential of generating the revenue of more than $1.2 billion. Besides this, the country’s mangrove area is the sixth largest in the world and holds an annual value of approximately $20 million which can be drawn out from mangrove dependent fish species and shrimp industry.
The marine resources of Pakistan such as minerals, ocean energy, water, petroleum hydrocarbons and fisheries; recreational and tourism potential stands largely untapped.
Pakistan Navy is playing a dominating role in promoting sustainable use of ocean resources. The efforts contribute into maintain sustainable coastal environment adding of the coastline extending from Creeks to Jiwani.
According to the Pakistan Navy: “On this day, let us reaffirm our commitment and resolve for preserving sustainable use of the oceans and marine resources. Pakistan Navy will continue to play an important role in the global and nation efforts to protect and preserve the ocean; mankind’s shared resource for sustenance and prosperity”.