THE DIRECTOR of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Mr Edward Honiwala has reminded those who turned up for the World Environment Day celebrations at the former SMI compound of the importance of the ocean.
“As we gathered here to celebrate the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean, let me remind everyone, that we are all responsible to protect and care for our oceans, In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it is imperative that we take the responsibility to care for our ocean as it cares for us all,” he said.
He stressed that plastic pollution is a serious threat because it degrades very slowly.
“Plastics is seen every-where within Honiara, along the streets, along the rivers and on coastal areas, This is a problem for all of us, and we must work together to address this rising problem as we reflect on the theme for this important day, Healthy oceans, healthy planet and No place for plastics,” he said.
The Director encouraged everyone to work together to protect the oceans by taking responsibilities to ensure No plastics and wastes ended up in the oceans – to achieve a Healthy oceans and a healthy planet.
He said the three events which include the World Environment Day, World Oceans Day and Coral Triangle Day are quite significant as far as his ministry is concerned because of the direct link with them.
“As the Ministry responsible, for Fisheries and Marine Resources these events are important and directly linked with the work and responsibilities of the Ministry, as such it is an important day indeed for all of us,” Mr Honiwala said.
The three events have their own themes for instance; for this year’s World Environment Day, the theme is “Zero tolerance for illegal wildlife trade, and the key slogan” is “Go Wild for Life”, which focuses on the illegal trade of wildlife.
“The theme was chosen to remind us that the damage cause from this illegal trade is so serious and so reaching that urgent action is needed,” Mr Honiwala said.
And he has called on all Solomon Islanders to support the actions taken globally to reduce the demand and illegal trade in wildlife.
The MFMR director pointed out that while we celebrate this important day to think seriously and support the theme “Zero Tolerance for illegal wildlife trade” and support to help safeguard species under threat for future generations.
“My Ministry is currently working on new regulations under the New Fisheries Management Act 2015, to ensure management measures are in place to protect marine species that are under threat,” he said.
On the World Ocean day and Coral Tringle Initiative day, Mr Honiwala reminded everyone of the importance of the oceans and why it should be protected from pollutions such as plastics.
“Our theme for 2016 is “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet”, and No Place for Plastics, as we commemorate these important events today, let me remind everyone on the importance of our oceans, and why we should protect our oceans from pollutions such as plastics,” he added.
The Ministry of Fisheries Director summed up the importance of the ocean saying;
- The ocean is the heart of our planet, just like your heart pumping blood to every part of your body, the ocean connects people cross the earth, no matter where we live.
- The ocean regulates the climate, feeds millions of people every year, it produces oxygen and is a home to an incredible array of wildlife
- The ocean is a source of revenue to the government and provides job opportunities to our people
- Oceans also provides for us with important medicines and so much more.
–MFMR
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