Our Ocean, Our Connection

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As a small island nation, much of our country is covered by water. The ocean is not only an important part of our ecosystem, but it is also a source of food, and recreation.

World leaders gathered in Panama for the eighth annual conference on oceans to set a clear plan to protect and preserve this precious resource.

What is happening underwater and beyond our shores is now more important than ever. The world’s oceans are feeling the heat from the climate crisis, in more ways than one.

Juan Monterrey, Director of Geodiversity for the School of Biocultural Leadership, says the time for action is now.

Effective response to global action was the focus of the opening panel at the world oceans conference.

John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, put it in perspective, explaining just over half of the oxygen we breathe comes from our oceans. He says emissions are threatening our way of life above and below the waves.

The impact is far reaching – from here in the Atlantic Ocean, to the Pacific Ocean.

This week’s meetings will examine how the carbon value of blue ecosystems can be enhanced, as well as how to increase resilience of fishing and coastal communities to protect them from the adverse impacts of climate change.