Abu Dhabi inspires next generation of marine champions through SeaWorld's One Ocean mission
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE is emerging as a regional leader in marine conservation, research, and public engagement, with its environmental institutions spotlighting the ocean's vital role in sustaining life and advancing conversations on sustainability and youth empowerment.This year's World Oceans Day - marked on June 8 - was the largest in history, with events in more than 178 countries and a strong focus on youth leadership. From Abu Dhabi to Poland to Guam, young advocates raised their voices in a growing global call to protect the ocean. The theme, 'When Youth Lead, Our Ocean Wins', reflected the movement's drive to empower the next generation to act for a more just and sustainable world.In the UAE, institutions like SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, are putting that vision into practice. Central to SeaWorld's mission is its One Ocean philosophy, which emphasises the deep interconnectedness between human life and marine ecosystems.'World Oceans Day is a moment to reflect on the responsibility we all share in protecting the ocean,' Rob Yordi, Zoological Vice President and General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad. 'At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, our mission is rooted in the One Ocean story and that all life on Earth is deeply connected to the ocean, and the ocean connects us all.'Through eight immersive marine-themed realms, SeaWorld invites guests into a journey of discovery guided by expert zoologists and educators. Alongside other institutions like the National Aquarium, it is taking on a leading role in educating the next generation about the importance of ocean habitats. At this marine life theme park, experiences are 'designed to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and raise awareness about the different marine species and the vital ecosystems they inhabit', Yordi added.In addition to its public offerings, the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre plays a crucial role in marine science and conservation in the UAE. Yordi highlighted the centre's collaborative approach, believing it to be the cornerstone of the centre's success. 'We are always keen on conducting partnerships with educational institutions and universities. We already did so with NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), and with Miral's partnership with ADEK through the centre,' he said. 'With the support of these institutions, we are able to inspire and engage the next generation of marine advocates, expanding our reach and impact across the youth community,' Yordi said.Among the centre's recent achievements was the region's first Arabian Scientific Seagrass Workshop, which brought together researchers and conservationists to tackle the urgent and understudied issue of seagrass habitats. Another major milestone is the rescue and rehabilitation of over 500 marine animals, in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. 'We are extremely proud to have recently reached a major milestone of rescuing and rehabilitating over 500 injured and distressed animals … with many returned to their natural habitats,' Yordi said.Inspiring Lasting Change World Oceans Day is not just about events or education, it's about shaping the future, a vision clearly echoed by the World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council. This council includes 25 young changemakers from 24 countries who organise clean-ups, policy campaigns, and year-round advocacy efforts.'Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow - we are leading today,' said Paulina Slawek, a council member from Poland. 'Our voices, perspectives, and solutions are already reshaping climate discourse.'The UAE's engagement with World Oceans Day aligns with its broader environmental goals and its positioning as a hub for sustainable development and innovation. With projects like SeaWorld Yas Island, robust public-private partnerships, and rising youth involvement, the UAE is creating a unique model of marine conservation that bridges education, science, entertainment, and advocacy.
'Protecting the ocean is not a one-day effort - it's an ongoing commitment. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, we hope to inspire lasting change that ensures the health of our oceans for generations to come,' Yordi said.
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