Tuesday, February 19, 2019

World Wildlife Day 2019


Life Under the Sea

  
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel


The United Nations’ annual World Wildlife Day (March 3) is focusing on marine species for the first time.
  

This year's theme Life Below Water: for people and planet highlights the critical issues facing ocean wildlife and their value to our everyday lives.

UN Development Program Head of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Midori Paxton notes: “Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods and primary source of protein."


SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel learned that the estimated market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is $3 trillion per year. Plus, oceans help to reduce the impact of climate change – something that’s good for all of us!


To protect our ocean ecosystems for future generations, Paxton says, “a comprehensive global response is needed that scales up successful nature-based initiatives.”


Children around the world agree and are expressing this in their artwork.  



Paxton adds that currently "the capacity of life below water is severely impacted from an onslaught of threats, including climate change, marine pollution, habitat destruction, and unsustainable fishing practices."


To build awareness and commitment to protecting ocean sea life, the UN is teaming up again with the annual Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival to organize an international film showcase – this time addressing the challenges confronting marine wildlife and the ocean.


Lisa Samford, the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, film festival’s executive director, says “Our aim is to galvanize the power of media to inspire wonder, catalyze change and move the dial on the conservation of marine species and ecosystems.”


SurfWriter Girls are glad to see that this year's World Wildlife Day is bringing attention and support to the world beneath the sea. It’s ready for its closeup!


Lights, camera, action!




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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given. 


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