Sunshine and lots of interested people at the Mundus maris stand
Mundus maris in Brussels kicked off the series of events it organises together with its Clubs and partners in different countries to celebrate World Oceans Day 2016.
The Environment Festival in the 50aire Park in Brussels on Sunday, 5 June, was the perfect venue to attract attention to this year's Motto "Healthy Ocean, Healthy Planet".
Next to the Brussels Aquarium, always a magnet for people interested in aquatic life, Mundus maris offered information about the oceans, major threats and things to do for all age groups and tastes.
We offered an info sheet in EN and FR summarising updated key facts with an outlook on how people can take action and connect to the ocean.
Lots of people took the associated quiz to test their knowledge about the ocean and win a beautiful cup with the Mundus maris mascots Samba and Kumba. Perhaps some of you will remember that the Mundus maris Club at the mid-level school in Kayar, Senegal, wrote up the nice naming story, which was later also turned into a video on our YouTube channel.
Meanwhile the kids had a hey day with water colours and the mascot sheets so that the parents had a few minutes respite and could breathe through as Samba and Kumba turned blue, red, green and bright yellow or dark violet and even black.
The sunny weather and the multi-lingual staffers at the stand made it easy for the many visitors to stop for a conversation in their native language, discover the latest news about the major threats to the ocean and what can be done. First among these is overfishing aggravated by significant levels of misreporting, illegal fishing and fraudulent labelling. Visitors were grateful to discover that MM and others have already developed fish rulers for several countries and distinct regions of the ocean so as to empower consumer choice and use them also for teaching early on in schools. The extent of under-reporting by governments is a source of great concern, because it means that real extractions are on average about 50% higher than the global stats FAO compiles on the basis of what is officially reported. Worse, particularly industrial catches are shrinking since 20 years, while small-scale catches, mostly ignored by officialdom, keep increasing. Investing into better recordings would enable more realistic and sustainable policies and investments.
The threats to turtles, marine mammals, fish and birds constituted by millions of plastic bags in the ocean is thankfully now becoming better understood after numerous campaigns and initiatives to ban their use in super markets and elsewhere. The animals mistake the bags for jellies and can suffocate or die from starvation with a stomach full of plastic.
Plastic pollution has many other facets and chosing sunscreens and cosmetics without microbeads and generally work on upstream prevention are increasingly understood as good ways to reduce the threat.
Fewer people were aware of other forms of pollution, notably overfertilisation of coastal and enclosed seas from industrial agriculture and untreated urban waste. Yet most of the hundreds of sites which are now dead, are expanding.
Climate change has its own creeping effects, which can already be observed and measured: warming accelerates sealevel rise that has already led to submersion of four islands in the Pacific. Acidification is of potentially even greater concern in the shorter run as marine organisms with calcareous skeletons need more energy just to keep their bodies together. A simple experiment at the MM stand illustrated how acidification dissolves marine shells. The probably least known effect of climate change is that warming waters means less dissolved oxygen so that lots of active organisms have already started moving polewards because they are gasping in the tropics. Together these amount to a triple whammy, which should strengthen the resolve to act, and fast. Switching to renewable energies is more urgent than ever.
So, it is of great concern that the shipping industry's first timid attempts at cutting its exhorbitant greenhouse gas emissions are already faltering. They have lobbied successfully to stay out of all climate negotiations, including the Paris Climate Summit in December 2015. On such bad precedents, the fossil industries are forging ahead with attempts at new exploitations affecting the ocean as if the climate summit had never taken place!
At the end of a busy day lhe results of the quiz were announced - the five Mundus maris cups will remind the winners every day, how important and urgent it is to protect the ocean for real. The answers for the quiz are available here.
                 
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Liceo Artistico C. De Chirico celebrates for the first time
Student participates and WINS!
Paintings, poems, lyrics, songs dedicated to the sea to celebrate World Oceans Day. Original artistic work by students of the institute Confalonieri De Chirico, the Art School in Via Cerveteri in Rome was at the heart of the first time celebration of World Oceans Day on June 8, 2016, the last day of school.
At the centre, the importance of the protection of the sea. The event was organised in collaboration with the Association RES (Research, Education Science). Click here for the programme of the day.
For the first time an Italian student has participated in the international competition "Mundus maris Awards". Giuliana Britti received today the honorary diploma for her participation, directly from Francesca Conti, CEO of formicablu and member of the international jury. She WON a Shark Prize in recognition for the quality of her submission!
This way the school year ended with a commitment by students and teachers - let's protect the Ocean!
We can only applaud and wish a safe and wonderful holiday period!
       
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Fantastic 2016 World Oceans Day Celebrations in Hann, Senegal
Well-planned by the Mundus maris Club Senegal together with several civil society partners in Hann and beyond, three schools, several sports and cultural associations and numerous elders were mobilised for the programme in four parts to make World Oceans Day celebrations in Hann a noteworthy event. As the Day falls straight into the Ramadan period, the ocean soccer tournament and the wrestling tournament that were so popular last year was postponed to July.
Conversely, the Khadim, Bara Guèye, Mame Diégane schools contributing to the celebrations organised workshops beforehand to show their artistic production in a junior exhibition.
Under the leadership of artist and comedian Mr. Bina Diarra Diop the kids from the participating schools had thus produced two big collage works to the motto "Healthy Ocean, Healthy Planet" with particular emphasis on the pollution of the local Bay of Hann. But this effort would not have yielded the results had it not been for the strong support of directors and teachers of the schools concerned, namely Magath Diop and Abdoulaye Diouf of Khadim School, Ms Fatou Teuw, Director of Bara Guèye School A, and Mr. Yacinthe Sarr, Director of School B as well as Messrs. Aimé Sarr and Joseph Sarr of Mame Ndiégane School.
The celebrations on 8 June started out with a beach cleaning effort along Hann Bay in the morning. But because it was difficult to get utensils from the municipality the clean-up effort was only completed the next day.
This year, women outnumbered the men thanks to the collaboration with the Association for the Development and the Education of youngsters (Association pour le Développement et l'Education des Jeunes (ADEJ)) and particularly Babacar Diop, who is one of the persons in charge.
The Bay is already since decades suffering from serious pollution from Dakar's untreated industrial discharges and poor municipal waste management. But little has been done to bring some scientific and technological understanding of pollution issues to the attention of the affected population around the Bay, let alone take effective action to address its root causes.
This was the principal reason, why Mundus maris offered a conference and debate on the subject in the premises of the Local Artisanal Fisheries Committee (CLPA by its French acronym) in the afternoon hours.
During the junior exhibit, artist Bina Diop also explained the Mundus maris quiz and encouraged the pupils to answer the questions as best they could.
The info sheet about key results of latest marine research was not only a good general resource, but of practical help in answering the quiz.
While all this was going on, helpers prepared the venue of the conference with debate.
Aliou Sall started out with a powerpoint supported talk to introduce the key messages, followed by a lively debate.
In the occasion, the leaders of the fishing community engaged strongly in the debate about what pollution did to the Bay and its ecosystem and what that meant to the already pressing challenges to small-scale fisheries in Hann.
A
mong the leaders was Ibrahima Niang, who combines responsibilities as chief of the landing place, municipal adviser and head of the fisheries commission in Hann Bel Air.
Pupils of the Bara Guèye, Mame Diégane et Khadim schools were in attendance together with leaders of the fishing community.
The artistic production of the pupils was displayed at the meeting place.
The debate going on there was interrupted for the occasion and the kids were given the opportunity to explain the meaning and intentions of their work. This was quite an innovation because traditionally, kids (boys and girls) of that age were not expected or even supposed to provide explanations to adults. But the expo offered a wonderful opportunity for them to catch the eye of the elders and share what they had learnt during the workshops and expressed in their artistic works. That was clearly a highlight, not only for the pupils.
Mr Niang actually took the floor to acknowledge appreciation for this initiative and Mr. Bina Diop's work. He went further suggesting that he was not only going to debrief the municipal council about the event, but also suggested that the primary schools in the municipality should be involved in the defence of the marine ecosystem.
This rich programme provided excellent opportunities to exchange about ocean issues from different perspectives and across all age groups.
The conference was concluded with a short assessment of its utility.
The comments of the audience revealed that they had for the first time got exposure to these scientific research results in such an understandable manner. They said they realised that some of the pollution effects not necessarily visible by eyesight could be even more dangerous than the litter and macroscopic particles discharged into the Bay. In particular they were concerned about the formation of dead zones as a result of eutrophication (over-fertilisation) of the waters and other changes in the ecosystem.
The participants proposed that such conferences be repeated in the CLPA premises that are easily accessible to them. They were keen to learn more on topics of similarly great importance, such as the resource situation in Senegal. They suggested that the CLPA premises be equipped with a computer and a projector so as to see more didactical films which they find more intuitive than slides with graphs and French text, which not all of them understand.
Participants of all ages were united in the ardent desire for a wider clean-up of Hann Bay, resilient and sustainable artisanal fisheries and good futures for the coming generations.
What a memorable day. It should reverberate throughout the year and entice at least improvements within the immediate reach of the participants themselves.
                       
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Celebrating in Douala, Cameroon
Jeauberte Djamou has been a long-time supporter for Cameroonian youths to participate in the contest for Mundus maris Awards - and with success! This year again, she sensitised several school directors and their teachers and pupils about the importance of protecting the ocean.
Not only did some of them win prizes, but she also managed to rally support for an event in the coastal city of Douala sitting on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea.
Under the auspices of the Governor of the Litoral Province, represented for the occasion by one of his collaborators (in red jacket), Jeauberte (to his right) and the kids were all dressed nicely in logo T-shirts to celebrate World Oceans Day 2016.
As in countless other events on 8 June this year, the motto "Healthy Ocean, Healthy Planet" was evoked throughout the day and was the thread running through the speeches and appeals for better stewardship for the ocean.
We can only applaud and hope that action gets stepped up to translate the judicious intentions into ground realities.
    
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The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, Celebrates 2016 World Oceans Day
FUTA, Nigeria, joins the global community to celebrate the 2016 World Oceans Day on 8th June. The event took place at T. I. Francis Auditorium FUTA. The programme was declared opened by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Biyi Daramola who was represented by the Dean of School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Prof. M.O. Alatise. In his opening speech, he emphasised the importance of celebrating and protecting the oceans.
The 2016 WOD in FUTA was jointly organised by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology and the Department of Marine Science and Technology of the University. The lead speaker, Prof. O.A. Olusoji Bello from Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology spoke on the topic: ‘Health Ocean and Healthy People’. Mr. Moruf O. Adegbile, a final year undergraduate student of the Department of Marine Science and Technology, delivered a lecture on the “Persistence of Organic Pollutants and their Effects on Ocean Health". Kuyoro Esther, a final year undergraduate student who represented the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, also talked on the general view of “The World Ocean”.
Pupils from the First Next Level Academy and Anchorite Nusery and Primary School, Akure, where not left out in exhibiting their talents in presenting to the audience a sketch and songs about the ocean. The audience were mostly youths from both public and private Secondary Schools in the State, University Undergraduates and Postgraduates but also members of the general public. The Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Staff Secondary School students and Christ the Redeemer Secondary School were also present at the occasion. Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture were in attendance as well.
For the occasion, Ms. Bukola Williams represented Prof. Stella Williams, who is the mind and heart behind the Mundus maris organisation in Nigeria. The University Registrar Dr. (Mrs.) M.O. Ajayi attended throughout as did Prof. L.C. Nwanna and Prof. Oguzie from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, FUTA. Other important dignitaries graced the occasion as well.
The event benefitted from the support of the University Protocol Unit, Parks and Garden Unit and a lot of volunteers who supported it in their various capacities and contributed to the memorable Day with over 400 participants.
Honorary Certificates were presented to all participants in the Mundus maris 2016 Awards contest.
The Local Organising Committee for the 2016 WOD at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, were Prof. O.A. Fagbenro as the Chairman, Dr. A.A. Adelodun (MST Dept.), Dr. P. Ogunseyiju (MST Dept.), Mr. O.K. Gbadamosi (FAT Dept.), Dr. O.O. Olawusi-Peters (FAT Dept.) and Dr. (Mrs.) M.L. Adeleke (FAT Dept.); she is also the Mundus maris Representative in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Celebration at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos
On Thursday June 16, 2016 the Mundus maris Chapter at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology Chapter, Victoria Island, Lagos celebrated World Ocean Day with staff and students.
This was the first feasible date after semester vacation. The event took place in the audio-visual library hall of the institution.
In attendance was the Deputy Provost Administration, Dr. Onuoha, P. C., the Deputy Provost Academics, Dr. Enaikele, D. M., The Head of Department Fisheries Technology, Mrs. Mangai, O. E. among other lecturers and students.
Dr. (Mrs.) Adeogun, M. O, and Mr. Abiodun-Solanke A.coordinated the programme.
The event proved to be not only educative and enlightening, but also entertaining and motivating.
It featured the quiz competition, which was both fun and informative. Mr. Jahnezim B. C., President of the Mundus maris chapter shared a slide presentation, while Mr. Okekunle gave a talk. Together they provided the audience with an overview of the state of the ocean and how each one can promote an improvement of its health.
Members of the staff were given the opportunity to pledge support towards the activities of Mundus maris in the institution.
Some students equally expressed their passion for the ocean through well-composed poems. Aquariums and fish bowls by Fishful Thinking Consult, used for decoration, surely drew attention to the beauty of marine creatures.
With recharged batteries from this memorable celebration, we expect renewed impetus to the ocean cleaning activities around Lagos.
Eco Ethics Kenya and partners celebrate in Mombasa
Partnerships of Eco Ethics Kenya (EEK) including Mundus maris, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) have been behind the success of World Ocean Day celebrations. Thanks to the Eco Club Program of EEK a number of pupils participated in the contest for Mundus maris Awards.
The Sacred Heart Primary School in Mombasa County, one of its eco club schools, was the venue of this year's event.
The WOD16 which was celebrated on June 11 to allow schools to be part of the same. We saw a huge turn up of about 120 attendees. This audience was constituted of over 50% school children and the rest were invited guests, teachers and other interested parties.
The barely 4-hour event saw a series of sessions that were all tailored towards instilling a sense of urgency into the WOD16 theme, ‘HEALTHY OCEANS, HEALTHY PLANET’.
EEK, patrons, learners and invited guests engaged in the event in the most remarkable way by following a series of activities scheduled in the programme. Among these was the WOD Quiz developed by the Mundus maris team. It was a quite interactive session that tested and gainfully widened the learners’ general knowledge of the ocean.
The quiz session was later followed by introduction and recognition of guests who included among others, the Nationals museums of Kenya, Eco Club school representatives, Community forest associations and community organisations.
Mr. Maina, EEK’s Environmental Governance Officer presided over the third session where he delivered a very powerful speech concerning the theme of the WOD16. Mr. Maina emphasized on the importance of the mainstreaming environmental leadership and it was quite clear that patrons, students and partners were to show solidarity and partner with EEK and make the WOD more meaningful and successful in the subsequent years.
The distribution of 17 Mundus maris honorary diplomas for the participants in the 2016 World Oceans Day contest, specifically to students, patrons and jury members were one of the highlights.
Closing remarks and a vote of thanks concluded the memorable celebration.
We congratulate the winners of Mundus maris Awards
It's time to lift the suspense! Here we go.
Out of 59 participating youths (57 in the text with or without illustrations, two in the video part with three submissions) from eight countries (Argentina, Cameroon, Gambia, Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal), the jury members have selected the following winners:
Why up to 12 years: Adeleke Anointed (Sea lion Prize)
Why 13-18 years: Adeleke Blessed (Shark Prize), Adeniyi Toluwanimi (Turtle Prize), Bello Motunrayo (Turtle Prize), Boladi Dolapo Ebunoluwa (Shark Prize), Derick Wambogo (Samba and Kumba Encouragement Prize), Fayanju Ibironke Ibidunni (Turtle Prize), Oludipe Beloved Ayomiposi (Samba and Kumba Encouragement Prize), Samson Matano Kahindi (Samba and Kumba Encouragement Prize)
Why 19-24 years: Tolulope Adeleye David (Sea Lion Prize), Viviana Djuinnou Tchiaze (Shark Prize)
How up to 12 years: Camila Montenegro (Turtle Prize), Glory Adeogun (Turtle Prize), Ecole Khadim (Shark Prize)
How 13-18 years: Alpha Amadou Jallow/Amie Ceesay/Muhammad Bah (Shark Prize), Giuliana Britti (Shark Prize), Lea Decor (Turtle Prize)
How 19-24 years: Alawode Bukunmi (Shark Prize), Bethel Jahnzim (Turtle Prize), Quadri Blessing (Turtle Prize), Oguntola Peter Oluwadamilare (Turtle Prize)
The Video Jury decided not to attribute a Special Prize of the Jury for the submissions received.
Both juries encourage participants and others to keep learning about the ocean, hone their own story telling skills for future celebrations and, most importantly, to take practical action in every day life to respect and protect the ocean for a healthy planet and healthy people.
All participants have received their honorary diplomas in time for World Oceans Day.
Congratulations to all participants and particularly to all winners of Mundus maris Awards! Keep up the good work and look forward to your works next year!
On 21 July 2016, a special ceremony was organised by Dr. Lydia Mosunmola (left) together with the teachers of the winning kids from Akure to honour their successful participation in the World Oceans Day contest.
