Reflection on World Oceans Day 2025

 

Reflection on World Oceans Day 2025

Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us

On June 8, 2025, World Oceans Day was celebrated with the theme "Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us." Sofonie Dala, a Chevening scholar from Angola and a conservation volunteer in the UK, took this occasion to reflect on her past experiences along the North Sea and her home country.

Although she didn't visit the sea during volunteering week, which ran from June 2 to June 8, she recalled her previous adventures across the Atlantic Ocean. In Angola, she walked along Luanda Island, a beautiful coastal strip that separates the city of Luanda from the Atlantic Ocean. The vibrant atmosphere and the rhythmic waves reminded her of the ocean's vital role in sustaining life. 

Sofonie also remembered her experiences while volunteering with TCV. Standing on the shores of Seaton Carew Beach and Barton-upon-Humber, she felt a deep connection to the North Sea, a vital part of the Atlantic. This estuary is crucial for biodiversity, serving as a habitat for various marine species.

She reflected on the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 14—Life Below Water—emphasizing the need to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources. Protecting these waters is essential for climate regulation and food security.

As she recalled her role in tree planting to protect coastal areas, Sofonie recognized that every effort contributes to a healthier ocean. World Oceans Day served as a reminder that the ocean sustains life, and it is our duty to sustain it in return.

Conclusion

World Oceans Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard marine ecosystems. In Angola, environmental advocate Sofonie Dala has been at the forefront of ocean protection efforts. Through a series of impactful campaigns and educational workshops on Luanda Island, she has empowered local fishermen with knowledge about sustainable fishing practices and the importance of keeping our oceans free from plastic pollution. One of her most notable initiatives focused on overfishing along the African coast, featuring a compelling story of a single mother who relies on unauthorized fishing to support her children—highlighting the complex socioeconomic realities tied to marine conservation (Dala, 2024). Her dedication continues to inspire meaningful change and greater awareness in coastal communities.

Reference

Dala, S. (2024, September). A successful conclusion to free plastic campaign in Angola. Formula Blue Sofonie. https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/a-successful-conclusion-to-free-plastic.html?m=1