According to WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, a South African environmental organisation with a mission to implement high impact environmental and conservation projects which promote public participation in caring for the Earth, the concept for a World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. On their website it is stated that as a result of a United Nations General Assembly resolution passed in December 2008, World Oceans Day is now officially recognized by the United Nations as 8 June each year. Everyone can help protect the world's oceans. Small changes we make in our everyday lives can add up and have a big positive impact on the health of the seas. According to WESSA, by taking The 7 Cs Pledge and committing to make a real difference, we can protect the ocean, its incredible inhabitants, and even our own community. The organisation mentioned on their website that there are many challenges facing our oceans right now, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing, but these challenges are not insurmountable. The term "Seven Seas" has been used for centuries as a general description for all the oceans of the world. The 7 Cs Pledge uses this play on words to help us all remember how each of us can make decisions in our daily lives for the benefit of our planet's future. I promise to: 1. Commit to making a real difference; 2. Conserve in my home; 3. Consume consciously; 4. Communicate my interests and concerns; 5. Challenge myself daily; 6. Connect in my community and 7. Celebrate our oceans.
Information obtained from www.wessa.org.za
PEARLY BEACH BEWAREA CONSERVANCY
