As part of its participation in the internationally celebrated days, the United Arab Emirates University celebrated the World Oceans Day, which takes place annually on 8 June. This year, the event sheds light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our source of life under the title "Life & Livelihoods".
Celebrating the occasion, Prof. Waleed Hamza, Professor of Oceanography and Aquatic Ecology at the Biology Department- UAEU’s College of Science, said, "On the World Oceans Day, it is important that we recognize as human beings that we are privileged to be living a planet that consists of water in 70% of its area. This water comes mainly from the world’s five oceans and contributes to the production of more than 50% of the Oxygen we breathe".
"Moreover, the great diversity of organisms in the oceans provides humans and other living creatures with various nutrition sources. Oceans are also key to the global economy, with an estimated 40 million people working in ocean-based industries by 2030", He added.
"As part of its belief in its pioneering role in supporting UAE’s journey towards sustainable development and promoting the country’s international status by supporting the international community’s efforts in facing the challenges of climate change, The UAEU was keen, since its establishment, to include oceans sciences in its curricula and to appoint professional oceanographers to conduct research and advance students’ oceanographic knowledge. In addition to providing several training courses in oceanography, Marine Ecology, and coastal management, which contributed to the development of the students’ specialized skills and provided the work market with highly qualified cadres who now occupy high-level positions in the public and private sectors". He elaborated.
The climate crisis jeopardizes the oceans and biodiversity, especially with the fact that oceans absorb nearly 30% of the carbon dioxide humans produce and reduce the effects of global warming whose consequences are highly reflected on societies, which requires us to think and act differently, get together, and unite scientific and technological efforts to grant the world’s oceans a sustainable future. He concluded.