Opinion
As the world marks World Oceans Day 2026, environmental stakeholders have called for a fundamental shift in humanity’s relationship with the oceans to ensure their sustainability for future generations.
The call aligns with the United Nations theme for this year’s celebration, “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean,” which urges governments, communities and institutions to rethink how marine ecosystems are managed and protected.
The Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-accredited environmental organisation, says Africa must embrace a people-centred blue economy anchored on environmental justice, ocean literacy and sustainable governance.
According to the organisation, oceans have long been treated as inexhaustible sources of resources and convenient dumping grounds for waste, resulting in significant environmental, social and economic consequences.
PAVE notes that the global conversation on ocean protection has gained momentum following the implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty.
The treaty provides a framework for the collective management and conservation of marine biodiversity in international waters.
However, PAVE argues that global agreements can only achieve lasting impact when local environmental realities are adequately addressed.
The organisation identified marine litter, plastic pollution and unregulated industrial fishing as major threats to Africa’s coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them.
According to PAVE, reimagining humanity’s relationship with the ocean requires confronting these environmental challenges and strengthening accountability at community, national and international levels.
The organisation further emphasised the strong connection between activities on land and the health of marine ecosystems.
It observed that urban plastic waste, industrial discharge and poor waste management systems in many African coastal cities continue to contribute significantly to marine degradation.
PAVE said it is addressing these challenges through grassroots environmental initiatives, including waste management education, community engagement programmes and advocacy for a legally binding global plastics treaty.
The organisation believes reducing land-based pollution is essential to safeguarding the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Atlantic Ocean and other marine environments bordering Africa.
PAVE also identified ocean literacy as a critical component of sustainable ocean governance.
According to the organisation, limited public understanding of marine conservation remains a major obstacle to protecting ocean resources across the continent.
It noted that the ocean influences climate systems, food security, economic development and cultural heritage in many African communities.
By promoting ocean literacy, PAVE seeks to empower young people, fishers, policymakers and local communities with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about marine resource management.
The organisation said improved awareness would strengthen public participation in conservation efforts and foster greater responsibility toward ocean ecosystems.
PAVE further called for equitable and inclusive governance of marine resources as global conservation initiatives expand.
It stressed the importance of ensuring Africa’s interests and perspectives are adequately represented in international discussions on ocean protection, including efforts to designate 30 per cent of the world’s oceans as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.
According to the organisation, marine conservation should not be viewed as a luxury reserved for developed nations but as an essential requirement for sustainable development and environmental resilience across Africa.
As World Oceans Day 2026 is commemorated worldwide, PAVE urged governments, civil society organisations, the private sector and local communities to work together to build a healthier and more sustainable future for the continent’s oceans.
The organisation maintained that protecting marine ecosystems requires moving beyond historic patterns of exploitation and embracing a new relationship based on stewardship, accountability and shared responsibility.
By Anthony Akpan, Executive Director, PAVE.
F.O
Tags: Oceans Day PAVE
