We can collaboratively improve the ocean’s health

The earth is 70% water. The water bodies play an essential role in sustaining life. However, we often overlook the benefits water bodies give us are affected by our human activities. To raise public awareness about our actions' impact on ocean bodies, the United Nations declared June 8 as World Ocean Day.  

This year's theme is "Ocean: Life and livelihoods." The theme is relevant to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, designated from 2021 to 2030. As we near 2030, it is imperative to support efforts to improve the ocean's health. The sustainable goals, clean water and sanitation, climate action, life below water, and life on land, are deeply affected by the ocean's health. On a more practical scale, business operations can also be affected if we do not mitigate ocean hazards and disasters. 

As the early stages of the pandemic pushed several businesses to result in remote work, carbon emissions declined. Businesses need to build on this progress and use less plastic. IT businesses can extend their support by providing technologies that can support evidence-based research. Bewsys has worked on some projects in that regard. For example, we developed a knowledge management portal for the Inle Lake Authority in Myanmar. Satellite observation of ocean plastics and artificial intelligence to understand natural systems can support ocean conservation. The business-as-usual model of the current economy is threatening marine ecosystems and coastal societies, and the normal functioning of our planet. The ocean produces more than half of the world's oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere. 

The oceans support our human existence. In conclusion, we all benefit from a healthier ocean. However, show support, create awareness or donate to organisations fighting for a cleaner ocean. Businesses that directly impact our oceans' health through operations in their supply chains can collaborate with tech companies and relevant stakeholders to improve our ecosystems.