As parents, it is crucial to instil a sense of responsibility and care for the environment in our children. One way to involve them in earth-saving efforts is by celebrating World Oceans Day.
Every year on June 8, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Oceans Day. This special day raises awareness about the crucial role oceans play in our lives and highlights the need to protect and conserve these vast bodies of water.
In this article, we will explore the origins of World Oceans Day, its significance, and take a closer look at the biggest oceans in Singapore.
What is World Oceans Day?
World Oceans Day is a global observance that aims to create awareness about the importance of oceans and promote actions to safeguard their health and sustainability. The day serves as a platform to celebrate the beauty, wealth, and potential of the world’s oceans, while also addressing the challenges they face.
When did it start?
The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that the United Nations officially recognized June 8 as World Oceans Day. Since then, it has been celebrated annually, bringing together people from different backgrounds, including scientists, activists, policymakers, and the general public.
The Biggest Oceans Around Singapore
Source: iStock
While Singapore may be a small island city-state, its connection to the ocean is significant. Here are the three largest oceans that surround Singapore:
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South China Sea: The South China Sea is the largest ocean that borders Singapore to the east. It is an arm of the western Pacific Ocean, covering an area of around 3.5 million square kilometres. The South China Sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and important shipping routes that facilitate trade between nations.
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Singapore Strait: The Singapore Strait serves as a natural waterway connecting the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. It is a narrow channel that separates Singapore from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The strait plays a vital role in maritime trade, serving as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
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Strait of Malacca: To the west of Singapore lies the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. This strait is an essential shipping route, handling a significant portion of global trade. It is known for its strategic location and has been a hub for maritime activities for centuries.
Why Is it Important to Celebrate World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day serves as a reminder of the numerous benefits oceans provide to humanity. Oceans are responsible for regulating the Earth’s climate, producing oxygen, and serving as a habitat for a diverse array of marine species. They also support economies by providing resources such as food, energy, and raw materials.
However, our oceans face numerous threats, including overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. World Oceans Day aims to shed light on these issues and inspire individuals and communities to take action.
Through educational programs, beach clean-ups, conservation projects, and sustainable practices, people can contribute to the protection and preservation of our oceans.
10 Lessons to Teach Your Child About Saving the Oceans
Teaching them about the importance of saving the oceans not only nurtures their love for nature but also empowers them to become future stewards of our planet. Here are 10 essential lessons to teach your child about saving the oceans.
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Help your child understand that the oceans are vital for maintaining a healthy planet as they regulate climate, provide oxygen, and support diverse ecosystems.
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Educate your child about the dangers of plastic pollution, encouraging them to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic items to prevent them from entering the oceans.
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Teach your child about the incredible diversity of marine life and the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.
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Introduce the concept of sustainable seafood, teaching your child to choose seafood options that are caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways.
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Discuss simple everyday actions like conserving water, using eco-friendly products, and minimising the use of single-use plastics, as these can significantly contribute to ocean conservation.
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Encourage your child to participate in beach clean-up activities, emphasizing the significance of keeping beaches and coastlines free from litter to protect marine ecosystems.
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Teach your child about responsible tourism practices, such as respecting marine life, not feeding or touching wild animals, and refraining from activities that harm coral reefs.
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Explain the impact of climate change on the oceans, including rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching, inspiring your child to take action against climate change.
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Introduce your child to reputable ocean conservation organisations and their initiatives, motivating them to support and engage with these causes.
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Encourage your child’s curiosity about the oceans by reading books, watching documentaries, and exploring interactive websites that showcase the wonders of marine life and conservation efforts.
By teaching our children about the importance of saving the oceans, we empower them to make conscious choices that can have a positive impact on our planet’s future.
Image Source: iStock
How to Celebrate World Oceans Day in Singapore with the Whole Family
World Oceans Day is a perfect opportunity to engage the whole family in activities that promote ocean awareness and conservation. Here are five exciting ways to celebrate World Oceans Day in Singapore with your loved ones.
Take the family to an oceanarium like S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, where you can explore the wonders of marine life through interactive exhibits and educational presentations.
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Participate in a Beach Clean-up
Join a community beach clean-up event or organize your own family clean-up session to remove litter from Singapore’s beaches and protect the marine environment.
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Attend a Marine Conservation Workshop
Enroll in a marine conservation workshop or event, where your family can learn about topics such as coral reef protection, sustainable fishing, and plastic waste reduction.
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Watch a Marine-themed Movie
Organise a family movie night and watch a marine-themed movie like Finding Nemo, Moana, or Blue Planet, followed by discussions about ocean conservation.
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Support Local Marine Conservation Initiatives
Research and support local marine conservation organizations by donating, volunteering, or participating in their events and initiatives to make a difference in Singapore’s oceans.
By engaging in these family-friendly activities, you can inspire a love for the oceans in your children and create lasting memories while promoting ocean conservation.
Let us join hands to protect and conserve these precious bodies of water for the benefit of future generations.
Image Source: iStock
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