WHEN it comes to our oceans, there is so much that still needs to be discovered. It is surprising that humans know more about space exploration compared to our oceans. For the first time, World Wildlife Day is celebrated under the theme “Life underwater: for people and planet.” World Wildlife Day, a day dedicated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to celebrate and educate the world about its diversity of wild plants and animals. The day marks the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) signed on March 3, 1973. This year, the CITES Secretariat has aligned the global observance with the goal of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, “Life below water.”

LIFE BELOW WATER…
Presently, there are 200,000 species of marine wildlife that have been identified. However, this number comes from the 20 per cent of our oceans that have been explored. In totality, the number of marine species can be estimated to be in the millions. The Earth’s oceans cannot be celebrated enough, the oceans are a carbon sink in our fight against climate change. In addition, our waterways provide resources for more than three (3) billion people who depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Millions of people around the world depend on these wild floras and faunas for both food and income. As a matter of fact, ‘life underwater’ contributes to 5 per cent of global GDP through activities like tourism, agriculture and fisheries, and arts and craft. Economics aside, the ecological services they provide are literally saving lives. Cancer, osteoporosis, kidney diseases, Alzheimer’s and numerous other diseases are treated using medicines that are produced from marine wildlife.

THREATS TO MARINE WILDLIFE
Unfortunately, even though they sustain many of our livelihoods, marine wildlife species are under significant pressure due to developmental activities. The habitats of these wild plants and animals are continuously being destroyed. For instance, due to climate change, marine conditions such as ideal temperature and carbon levels necessary to sustain life under water, have been altered leading to habitat loss and the endangerment and even the extinction of a large number of marine wildlife species.

The organisms themselves are being overexploited and overfished to satisfy the demands of consumers. The consequences of these are already evident in different parts of the world and may become irreversible if actions are not taken to protect and manage the use of all marine organisms.

PLASTIC POLLUTION
The realities of our ocean pollution are becoming more apparent. It is estimated that each year, 18 billion pounds of plastic waste enters the world’s ocean from coastal regions. Marine animals continue to suffer, we are sure by now you have seen the graphic videos of coral reefs smothered in bags, to turtles gagging on straws, to whales and seabirds that starve because their bellies are so jammed with bits of plastic that there is no room for real food.

MARINE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT IN GUYANA
Guyana has rich biodiversity of marine wildlife species including different species of whales, turtles, dolphins and an estimated 8000 plant species. However, we are no stranger to the activities that threaten these organisms. Organisations such as Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, Protected Areas Commission, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society and Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation, have been working towards the conservation and sustainable management of this wildlife.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2019?
The Environmental Protection Agency will be partnering with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission to host a Coastal Clean-up activity to celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, 2019. This clean-up will take place from 06:00 h to 09:00 h. Coastal Clean-up goes a long way to bring awareness of ocean pollution. We encourage you to become involved in organisations and clubs that participate in conservation work, speak out against activities that threaten wildlife and of course, live sustainable lifestyles that would reduce your environmental impacts.

You can make contact to the Agency on 225-5471-2; www.epaguyana.org or epaguyana on Facebook, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown should you have questions regarding Environmental Authorisation