Innovate to Save the Ocean

In 1968 Italian singer Domenico Modugno wrote ‘Meraviglioso’ (Marvelous) a song on how suffering and pain shadows the beauty of the world. The first important thing he mentions when saying that people have forgotten how wonderful the world and life are, is the sea.
“For you, they have invented the sea,” the song goes.

Indeed, only a few sights can be as awe aspiring as the sea. No matter where you are, or how many times you see it, it’s not possible to get enough of the sea. French marine explorer, inventor, filmmaker, and conservationist Jacques Cousteau worded this in a beautiful quote: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

Now, this great ‘invention’ is calling for urgent action to protect the world's ocean, marine life, and those who depend on the sea. Cousteau also said: "Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans."

Marine conservation activism has been growing over the decades, and every year it June 8 is observed as World Oceans Day.
World Oceans Day reminds everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. The goal of this day is to share information on the impact of human activity on the ocean. At the same time, it aims at pushing for a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean.
The theme for 2021 ‘The Ocean: Life and livelihoods’ focuses on the role of oceans and sea-related activity for the cultural and economic survival of communities all over the world that are still fighting the Ending the “war on nature” must be part of the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his message that ending the “war on nature” must be part of the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our seas are choking with plastic waste, which can be found from the remotest atolls to the deepest ocean trenches”, he said.

Moreover, the UN chief called for action as over three billion people, mostly in developing countries rely on the ocean for their livelihood.

Even though ocean protection is a huge issue, even the simplest innovation could help. People,  especially sustainable entrepreneurs can do amazing things if they get the mindset and information to take action.

Incredible products and solutions are made every day by common people that use their knowledge to solve problems in sustainable and smart ways. The lists include biodegradable products that degrade in aquatic environments, aquaculture, and agrifood, ghost net removal, microplastics for fuel, etc.

When someone wants to show dedication to how much they would do for a loved person or important matter, they say: “I would cross the ocean for you”.
What about the ocean, what would you do for the ocean?

Do you have an idea or project that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14? Join the Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition and learn how to turn a simple idea into a real product or service.

Photo by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash