Greater international cooperation is needed to enact swift measures against threats facing the world’s oceans, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu declared in a social media post for World Ocean Day, stating safe, healthy oceans are required to secure the future.
Because any adverse impacts inevitably degrade the Maldives' economy, food security, and environment, he noted, "#WorldOceanDay signals that healthy oceans are essential to life and the future of our planet. This connection is deeply personal for our people, and it directly impacts our economy, food security, and environmental sustainability."
To safeguard ecosystems inextricably linked to daily life, the nation is advancing sustainable fisheries, oceanographic research, reef monitoring, and targeted coral restoration. "We are advancing a forward-looking approach to ocean protection through sustainable fisheries, stronger marine research, reef health monitoring, coral restoration and rehabilitation, and evidence-based action to build resilience against climate change and protect our marine ecosystems for the wellbeing of our people and environment," President Muizzu wrote.
Concurrently, the Maldives is expanding maritime management capacity and economic benefits across its vast oceanic territory. However, as warming, bleaching, and erosion accelerate, the international community must implement faster interventions, President Muizzu cautioned.
"As ocean warming, coral bleaching, and coastal erosion accelerate, protecting the ocean requires greater urgency and stronger international cooperation," he remarked, urging shared resolve. "Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to collective action and protect the ocean that sustains us all."
World Oceans Day is commemorated annually on 8 June. This year's theme is, “REIMAGINE: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean”.