The world’s oceans, which have long been a source of human life, are now facing increasing threats. This issue was the main discussion in the online webinar themed “Iceberg Phenomenon: Biodiversity in the High Seas”, organized by Universitas Brawijaya (UB) Coastal and Marine Studies Center on Saturday (26/04).
Ocean Campaigner Greenpeace Senior, Arifsyah M. Nasution was present and shared insights on the current condition of the high seas. He emphasized that the ocean plays a very important role in human life.
“All life on earth depends on the ocean. Every breath we take, every second, comes from oxygen produced in the ocean,” he said.
The ocean covers about 71 percent of the earth’s surface and is home to hundreds of thousands of species. The ocean also helps regulate the earth’s temperature, absorbs carbon dioxide, provides food, and is a source of livelihood for millions of people around the world.
However, Arifsyah reminded that the ocean is currently facing various serious threats. Global warming that causes a climate crisis, marine pollution by plastic waste, deep-sea mining activities, and excessive and destructive fishing practices have accelerated the destruction of marine ecosystems.
“Our oceans are no longer as strong as they used to be. The climate crisis is worsening the damage, plastic is polluting marine habitats, and irresponsible fishing is endangering many species,” said Arifsyah.
According to him, this big challenge must be faced with structured cooperation starting from the local, national, regional, to global levels. At the local level, he encourages the active involvement of coastal communities in managing marine resources, strengthening ecosystem-based policies, and developing conservation areas that are resistant to climate change.
“We must empower local communities. Policies made on paper alone are not enough. Communities must be directly involved in protecting their oceans,” he said.
At the national and regional levels, Arifsyah mentioned the importance of cross-border management between countries and the preparation of agreements that support marine sustainability. Meanwhile, globally, efforts to protect the ocean are realized through achieving international goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and marine biodiversity conservation targets.
“The ocean does not belong to just one country. Many parts of the ocean are the world’s shared heritage. Therefore, protecting the ocean is the responsibility of all of us,” he said.
At the end of the session, Arifsyah invited webinar participants, especially academics and students, to strengthen collaboration with research institutions. He also emphasized the importance of building close relationships with coastal communities who are at the forefront of protecting the ocean.
“If we want the ocean to stay alive, we must go directly to the field, live with coastal communities, listen to their voices, and move together,” Arifsyah said in closing his session.
Head of UB Coastal and Marine Study Center, Dr. Fuad, S.Pi., M.T., in his speech thanked the speakers for their insights on the condition of the high sea. This webinar is a reminder that even though the threats to the ocean are enormous, there is still hope as long as all parties are willing to move together and take real action to protect the remaining biological wealth in the open sea. [RBK/MIT/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
