MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF ADMIRAL NAVEED ASHRAF
World Oceans Day is observed on 8th of June each year and this year’s theme is ‘Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us’. This resonates profoundly with the oceans’ vital role in underpinning all life on earth. Covering over 70% of our planet, oceans are a key source of Oxygen, a regulator of climate, and immeasurably support biodiversity, all of which are essential to global livelihoods.
Today, our oceans face severe threats from pollution, over-fishing, and climate change; a reality that is being highlighted by UN Ocean Conference to be held in Nice, France from 9-13 June 25. It will not only focus on accelerating actions for conservation and sustainable use of oceans but also identify ways and means to support implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 i.e. conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources by building partnerships towards its effective implementation.
For Pakistan, our long coastline and rich marine resources constitute a national trust. This vital treasure trove of biodiversity is facing rapid deterioration and demands immediate and robust intervention by all stakeholders.
As the principal custodian of our maritime domain, Pakistan Navy is well aware of this critical responsibility. We are committed to and undertaking substantive initiatives like implementing remedial measures for preventing oil spills at sea, enforcing pollution control measures and banning destructive fishing nets to encourage healthy practices and sustainable use of ocean resources. Our extensive mangroves regeneration, with over eight million saplings planted; underscore our commitment to strengthening coastal resilience and enhancing biodiversity. Furthermore, we are maintaining readiness to combat marine pollution through focused operations and synergistic exercises, thereby shielding our seas from ecological harm.
Recognizing our obligation to the environment, Pakistan Navy is also instilling ecological ethos through awareness drives and crucial partnerships. To mark the occasion, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) has organized one day international seminar to create awareness about the issue and highlight ways and means to protect our oceans.
World Oceans Day calls upon us to move beyond the reflexive acknowledgment and take result-oriented collective actions. To this end, I call upon all the stakeholders to join hands with Pakistan Navy and adopt safe and sustainable practices to secure our oceans’ vitality. Collectively, we can avail this immense endowment in the shape of our rich oceans, preserve their enduring majesty and secure the lifeblood they provide, for our future generations.
