Latest news with #OneOcean
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi inspires next generation of marine champions through SeaWorld's One Ocean mission
8 June 2025 23:43 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 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 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 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 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 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.
West Australian
5 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
World Surf League cops backlash after surfers bail on key community event
The World Surf League has copped a blast for not sending any of its athletes to a key annual community conservation event during the Margaret River Pro. WSL traditionally organised for a handful of Championship Tour competitors to attend Nature Conservation Margaret River Region's annual busy bee held in conjunction with volunteers and local junior surfers. While Nature Conservation staff, volunteers, parents and Cowaramup Bay Boardriders grommets attended the May 15 event at Grunters, no athletes came along this year as they had in the past. Although it remained a WSL-supported event as part of its One Ocean partnership, parents and other stakeholders told the Times youngsters were left disappointed and feeling like their genuine conservation efforts didn't matter. Gracetown parent Megan Garnett, who also co-ordinates the Friends of Gracetown conservation group, said many grommets had hoped for more than a free t-shirt. 'The event was a success, but I think it was a bit of a slap in the face,' she said. 'It does make that actually look like a tick-box for WSL and its environmental standing. 'All of us parents and local schools are trying to encourage this idea of being environmental custodians, and when that's not valued by their role models, that makes it twice as hard.' In years past, surfers including Bettylou Sakura and Italo Ferreira joined young talent laying brushing and planting seedlings along the coast. Ms Garrett said the region's young surfers looked up to the Pro athletes and the chance to rub shoulders with them while helping the local environment 'could have meant so much'. Others told the Times it wasn't good enough for WSL to muster local groups when it needed to apply for permits — such as the inclusion of North Point as a location option, bitterly opposed by many surfers — but then pay lip service when the Pro was running. However, a WSL spokesperson said the official surfing body remained committed to working with local groups and residents 'through sustainability and community engagements throughout the WA Margaret River Pro competition'. WSL cited its partnership with Nature Conservation that included junior Boardriders, the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association, philanthropic group Line in the Sand, and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. But WSL declined to comment on why no professional surfers were available this year. The disappointing no-show followed complaints from surfers also wondering why the wild cards trial in the lead up the Margaret River Pro was not televised despite everything being in place at Surfers Point. And that negative feedback came on the heels of last week's reports the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation had voiced its own disquiet that objections to using certain important heritage sites near the competition were overruled by the State Government. WSL passed inquiries about the wild cards event to Surfing WA who were unable to comment before deadline. A Nature Conservation spokesperson said talks were under way to avoid the shortfall in the future. 'Nature Conservation felt disappointed for the Cowaramup Bay Boardriders groms who were so pumped to work on country with their surfing idols,' interim manager Cass Jury said. 'We are working with the WSL to come up with a solution for future years that will prevent this disappointment and give the pro surfers an opportunity to contribute to the worthwhile work of the many coastal volunteers who work tirelessly to protect our fragile coastline.' Boardriders spokesperson Keighley Bremner told the Times the event was 'a successful day' but declined to comment on the lack of talent on show. WSL also noted this year it hosted a Capes Coastal Forum during the Pro. 'The forum created a space for community stakeholders to come together to discuss coastline protection,' the spokesperson said. 'The WSL is committed to supporting the community by joining forces with local organisations through workshops, projects, and the WSL PURE Grant program.'
India Gazette
08-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Kerala: Indian Navy's first IOS SAGAR returns to Kochi after month-long deployment
Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 8 (ANI): The Indian Navy's maiden initiative of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar, jointly crewed by personnel from nine IOR Navies, concluded its month-long deployment in the South West Indian Ocean region (SW IOR) and returned to Kochi on Thursday. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, congratulated the crew of India and nine friendly foreign countries during the grand reception ceremony held at Naval Base, Kochi. In a post on X, the Indian Navy, wrote, '#IndianNavy's maiden initiative - Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR #IOS_SAGAR, returned to Kochi on #08May 25, on completion of one month long deployment in the SW Indian Ocean V Srinivas, #FOCinC #SNC congratulated the ship's crew which included 44 personnel from 09 Friendly Foreign Countries, who jointly operated as a cohesive team truly reflecting the spirit of '#OneOcean #OneMission'.' 'The successful completion of the deployment marks a new chapter in #maritimecooperation and underscores India's commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests, capacity building and enduring partnership with #IOR nations,' the post further reads. The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, flagged off the IOS Sagar from Karwar on April 5. During the deployment, the ship made port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male. The mission's key highlights included joint naval exercises, professional and cultural exchanges, and joint EEZ surveillance of key IOR nations: Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Strengthening regional maritime cooperation between India and African nations, the ship participated in AIKEYME 2025 alongside INS Chennai & INS Kesari, which was jointly hosted by India and Tanzania from 13 to 18 April 25. The exercise provided an opportunity for the crew of lOS Sagar to participate in the joint harbour phase and interact with the participating Navies. At Mozambique, a range of collaborative activities and community engagements were held promoting operational synergy and interoperability with the Mozambique Navy. Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, the crew of IOS Sagar had fruitful engagement with the Mauritius Police Force and undertook coordinated patrol with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Visit to Port Victoria, Seychelles was marked with cross deck visits, training exchange, joint Yoga sessions and maritime engagement with Seychelles Defence Force. The ship held collaborative maritime security and regional outreach mission at Maldives prior to entering Kochi. This deployment exemplifies Indian Navy's continued engagement with regional Navies and maritime security stakeholders of IOR nations to train together, exchange best practices and enhance interoperability and mutual understanding. It was a unique experience for the 44 international crew of nine partner nations, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania who jointly manned the ship alongside Indian Navy crew, truly signifying the motto of 'One Ocean One Mission'. The journey of IOS Sagar which commenced with the combined harbour and sea training phase at SNC, Kochi in March 25 has been truly memorable for all the crew members. The professional and seamless integration of the international crew working together as a well knit and cohesive team truly reflects the spirit of camaraderie and maritime friendship. The mission is a testament to Indian Navy's commitment as the 'First Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner' in IOR towards the Gol's strategic vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region). (ANI)
