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National Oceans Day

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The Second National Oceans Day National Oceans Day Minister Lee: Grow and Multiply: Co-prosperity with the Islets and the Sea
Date:2021-06-08
Unit:Department of Maritime Security
The Second National Oceans Day National Oceans Day Minister Lee: Grow and Multiply: Co-prosperity with the Islets and the Sea

Today (8th) is the second annual “National Oceans Day.” Personally, I hope to take the opportunity to report to our countrymen regarding Taiwan’s oceans.

Illustration: The First National Oceans Day Illustration: The First National Oceans Day

Taiwan’s “Ocean Basic Act” was promulgated on November 20, 2019. The act is in reference to the United Nation’s spirit of designating this day every year as World Oceans Day in 2009. Article 18 explicitly stipulates: “In order to promote the deepening of the marine awareness of the government and all walks of life, June 8 is specifically designated as National Oceans Day.” The committee conducted the “first National Oceans Day celebration activities” on June 8 last year (2020). The National Ocean Policy White Paper was promulgated, which discloses policy objectives in six aspects, including the government’s active promotion of “building a regional strategic mindset and safeguarding marine sovereign rights” within five years. In coordination with 14 ministries under the Ministry of the Interior, the committee has actively conducted 21 strategies, including “closely monitoring the international pulse.” Many policies have gradually demonstrated expected effectiveness. Hopefully, with the cooperation of the citizens and the government, Taiwan will gradually become a “marine nation” where the vision of “ecological sustainability” can be fulfilled.

Illustration Marine Conservation and Sustainable Ecology Illustration: Marine Conservation and Sustainable Ecology

The ocean, the origin of life and the sustenance of life, accounts for 72% of the earth’s surface. The current human development is closely related to the ocean. The international community has noticed the serious impacts of existing resource depletion, extreme climate, and other issues on daily human economy and life and the next-generation development environment. For example, the drying up of many reservoirs in Taiwan caused by the global La Niña this year (2021) is closely related to climate warming, seawater temperature rise, and other issues. Therefore, the citizens should take affairs related to sustainable ocean, ocean protection, and putting the ocean to good use seriously. In particular, as the sea surrounds Taiwan on four sides, the general public must care for the sea and realize the importance of marine-oriented developments. Following the committee's establishment on April 28, 2018, the maritime agencies have been lawfully integrated while various policies have been actively coordinated and promoted. In addition, guidance has been offered to affiliated Coast Guard Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, the Ocean Conservation Administration, and the National Academy of Marine Research will join hands to implement related work and give their utmost in marine development. In the future, it will work with the people to continue building a better maritime generation.

Illustration: Grow and Multiply: Co-prosperity with the Islets and the SeaIllustration: Grow and Multiply: Co-prosperity with the Islets and the Sea

The United Nations promulgated the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” in 2015. In reference to the current situation and needs at home, the government set up “Taiwan SDGs” in 2018 for active promotion by respective ministries before 2030. The committee is currently strengthening the integration of various tasks under SDGs 14 “Conserve and sustainably use the marine ecosystem to ensure biodiversity and prevent marine environment aggravation”. In addition, with the United Nation’s “World Oceans Day” theme “THE OCEAN: LIFE AND LIVELIHOODS” as the reference again, the “Second National Oceans Day” theme set as “Grow and Multiply: Co-prosperity with the Islets and the Sea” demonstrates the people and the ocean in co-existence, co-prosperity and generational sustainability.

The committee originally planned to co-conduct a series of events with the Academia Sinica, Keelung City Government, private groups, academic community, and other units. However, due to the escalated pandemic situation in Taiwan, a decision has been made to cancel the celebration activities originally scheduled to be held today at the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology. Other “Ocean Challenge” projects will also be rescheduled or subject to other arrangements according to the subsequent regulations of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). In addition, adjustments will be made to celebrate the day via online broadcasting and other methods. We hope that although the people currently stay home during the pandemic, they can still hold the ocean close and embrace it to understand it. Together we can learn about the ocean through an affinity and passion for the sea. Hopefully, when the pandemic finally subsides, everyone will be able to wander about Taiwan’s beautiful sea and blue sky unhurriedly in their summer outfit.

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