Phase II of Project Ocean Matters is launched to commemorate World Oceans Day
Chennai, June 9, 2023: The oceans are the lungs of our planet and the sustenance of all life forms on planet earth is intrinsically linked to the oceans. However the unprecedented pace at which the destruction of ocean resources is occurring wherein more than 90 per cent of the big fish has been depleted and 50 per cent of the coral reefs are destroyed is depriving the oceans the space to rejuvenate. The issue gets compounded due to marine pollution, wherein it is estimated that 8 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the oceans. This year the theme for World Oceans Day is ‘Planet Oceans: Tides are changing’.
Project Ocean Matters: Safeguarding our Oceans is a joint initiative of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and U.S. Consulate General Chennai. It has been working with schools in Mumbai, Mormugao and Mangalore. Observing the success of Phase I of the project and furthering the commitment towards marine ecosystem conservation, Phase II of the project was launched in commemoration of World Oceans Day- on June 8, 2023 at the American Centre, Chennai.
Underscoring the success and the need to foster environmental sensitivities, specially towards oceans, Ms Adria Cooper, General Services Officer, U.S. Consulate General Chennai “Partnership between nations across borders is important, as ocean issue is a global issue and not limited to a certain geography. This project provides a practical, low-cost way to engage students, teachers, citizen scientists, research scientists, and others in participating countries and regions to advance several U.S. foreign policy objectives, including ocean health.”
Dr Livleen K Kahlon, Associate Director, Environment Education and Awareness Division, TERI and Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI showcased a short video encapsulating the project.
Addressing the audience on the crucial role played by oceans in sustaining life both outside and underwater, Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI noted, “Project Ocean Matters has demonstrated the role, schools can play in measuring and monitoring oceanic health using the GLOBE and MMPT. Students have amplified their learning’s to peers, parents and community and this model needs to be replicated across the country.”
About TERI
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), based in India, is an independent, multi-dimensional research organization with capabilities in policy research, technology development, and implementation. An innovator and agent of change in the energy, environment, climate change and sustainability space, TERI has pioneered conversations and action in these areas for nearly five decades. Headquartered in New Delhi, it has centres in six Indian cities, and is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, sociologists, economists, engineers, administrative professionals, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
For more information, contact:
TERI:
Sumit Bansal: sumit.bansal@teri.res.in
Shreyas Joshi: shreyas.joshi@teri.res.in