What does citizenship of the ocean mean?
The World Ocean Network has introduced the principle of ocean citizenship to promote the idea that we as individuals are responsible for the future of the ocean. The principle of citizenship implies a direct link between the ocean and its citizens, it fosters a common sense of belonging to the one global ocean, and implies the active participation of each citizen.
Citizenship means acknowledging a public interest over and above any individual interests. It means having both rights and obligations : the right to benefit from the ocean’s resources and the obligation to preserve and protect them.
Why promote citizenship of the ocean?
The ocean covers more than 70% of the surface of the planet and plays a central role in planetary equilibria. It is an active component in all the planet’s basic life permitting mechanisms. Yet, the ocean is constantly suffering the damaging consequences of human activities. Over the last five years it has suffered unprecedented degradation (pollution, resource depletion, the extinction of marine animal species, and so on).
Because the ocean is in danger, because its function is vital and fundamental to life on Earth, because our future and that of future generations depend on how we tackle ocean preservation now and because the involvement of citizens and collective action can stop ocean degradation, it is imperative to establish ocean citizenship. This concept is central to the long-term, sustainable and intelligent management of the ocean.
Citizenship of the ocean, for whom?
For every inhabitant of the Earth, for all those who understand the ocean’s plight, and for all those who understand the urgency of standing up to be counted in the fight to save it in all our interests.
What does being a citizen of the Ocean involve?
Each citizen of the ocean is granted a passport. This passport acts as a guide, it explains the do’s and don’ts, and offers ideas for activities. It enables the citizen to inform others, raise awareness and record any activities they undertake.
Being a citizen of the ocean means making a commitment to preserving and protecting the ocean, it means, for the well-being of both present and future generations, participating in and contributing to the applied sustainable development of the global ocean. It means being the spokesperson of the Ocean on Earth.
The distribution of the Passport of Citizen of the Ocean is possible worldwide:
Distributors can be found in Africa, in America, in South America, in Asia, in Europe, in French overseas territories.
World Ocean network activities involving Citizens:
Youth Parliaments:click here.
Public debates: click here.
You can register here and access the exchange platform via the Ocean Info Pack site.