Global conservation organization Ocean Wise is launching a new campaign to call on governments, businesses, citizens, and more to invest more time and money into the ocean.
The new campaign, aptly dubbed “Invest in the Ocean,” launched on 24 September, and Ocean Wise called it a global call to action for ocean conservation. The NGO said investments in market-based conservation solutions for the ocean will be key to combating climate change and securing global food security.
“The ocean is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change, absorbing carbon, safeguarding biodiversity, and sustaining billions of people worldwide, but it’s also a driver of innovation, jobs, and food security,” Ocean Wise CEO Lasse Gustavsson said in a release.
Ocean Wise said its new Invest in the Ocean campaign will be running across a range of different media channels, including social media, digital displays, and broadcast channels, throughout the month.
Part of that call to action includes recognizing that the ocean is more than just an environment; it’s an economic engine for the communities adjacent to it. The NGO pointed out that 11 million people visit Canadian beaches each year and that 80 percent of all tourism takes place in coastal areas.
“By investing in the ocean, we can create safe and healthy environments that everyone can enjoy,” Ocean Wise said.
Ocean Wise also highlighted the number of people who rely on the ocean for food security, and said the blue economy and resources in the ocean are key to range of economic drivers and industries.
“When we invest our time, money and voice for the ocean, the returns are measurable, immediate, and long-lasting,” Gustavsson said. “This campaign is about mobilizing that collective investment so that together, we can unlock the ocean’s full potential to protect both people and the planet.”
