We call it Earth, but with over 70% of the planet covered in water, “Planet Water” might be a more accurate name. From the earliest creation myths around the world, water has been seen as the origin of life. Yet, our land-based lives have made us forget just how deeply we depend on the oceans.
Today, World Oceans Day reminds us of that debt. It asks us to reconnect with the vast, life-giving waters that sustain our planet—and to protect them before it’s too late.
Oceans: The Life Force We Overlook
Oceans do more than host marine life. Microscopic algae in the oceans generate most of the planet’s oxygen through marine photosynthesis. While much of this oxygen is used up within the ocean itself, the oceans remain a net producer—an essential contributor to the air we breathe.
They also play a massive role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, helping slow the pace of climate change. But warming waters and pollution are threatening this delicate balance. Scientists warn that if oceans reach a tipping point, they could switch from being carbon sinks to carbon sources, accelerating global warming.
This year’s World Oceans Day 2025 theme, “Awaken New Depths,” urges us to deepen our understanding and respond with meaningful, innovative action to protect our oceans.
India: A Nation Shaped by the Sea
India is profoundly shaped by the Indian Ocean. Its warm waters drive the southwest monsoon that supports agriculture and life across the subcontinent. But those same waters are now warming faster than most of the world’s oceans—bringing serious risks.
With a coastline stretching over 7,500 km and heavy reliance on marine ecosystems, India is highly vulnerable to the effects of ocean warming, sea-level rise, and pollution.
- Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata face flooding, saltwater intrusion, and potential displacement.
- Fish populations are declining due to habitat loss and warmer waters—impacting India’s position as the second-largest fish producer in the world.
- Plastic pollution and industrial waste continue to flow into the sea, harming marine biodiversity and local fisheries.
According to the CMFRI and FAO, there’s been a 30–50% decline in key fish species in some areas. Regional variations exist, but the trend is worrying.
The Human Cost
Over 250 million people in India depend on coastal ecosystems, and roughly 16 million fishers rely directly on marine resources. But with rising seas and eroding shorelines, many coastal villages have already disappeared or turned into ghost towns. Saline intrusion has made land unfit for agriculture, forcing many families to migrate—temporarily or permanently. Those who stay must constantly move to escape the encroaching sea.
This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human one.
Responding with Resilience
There’s hope. In recent years, India has taken significant steps to address ocean-related challenges:
- MISHTI (Mangroves for Shoreline and Livelihoods Initiative): Launched in 2023, it aims to restore 540 sq km of mangroves across nine coastal states and four Union Territories by 2030.
- National Coastal Mission & Green Climate Fund investments like ECRICC are protecting mangroves, coral reefs, and vulnerable coastlines, potentially safeguarding over 1.5 million people.
- The Finance Commission’s Erosion Combat Fund has allocated ₹2,500 crore to help resettle affected communities and build natural barriers using dunes and vegetative bunds.
These efforts are showing results. Since 2013, India has seen a net gain of 364 sq km of mangrove cover—a sign that ecological restoration and livelihoods can go hand in hand.
Community at the Heart of Change
At ActionAid Association, we believe the people who live closest to nature are its best stewards. Our community-led resilience initiatives aim to support those most affected by environmental challenges.
In partnership with the National Platform for Small Scale Fish Workers (NPSSFW), we advocate for the rights of fishers and fish farmers—those whose lives are intricately tied to the health of our oceans. As NPSSFW highlighted in 2016, these communities are often the first victims of degraded water bodies, becoming development refugees in their own land.
Mangroves and Hope in the Sundarbans
One of our flagship projects—supported by the SBI Foundation—is a women-led mangrove restoration initiative in the Sundarbans.
- 1.87 million mangroves will be planted across 640 acres in 40 villages.
- Women’s groups are at the core—collecting seeds, nurturing nurseries, and earning livelihoods.
- Native, climate-resilient species such as Avicennia, Ceriops, Rhizophora, and Sonneratia are being planted.
- Moringa and neem trees are also being grown to offer local nutrition and medicinal value.
To build long-term sustainability:
- We’re forming eco-clubs in schools and green coalitions with local civil society.
- We’re collaborating with universities and research institutes for technical guidance.
- Local activists are coordinating with Panchayats and government departments to ensure strong policy linkages.
This project isn’t just about trees—it’s about building a blueprint for climate justice, where ecology, economy, and equity work together.
Looking Forward
India’s coasts are now frontlines of climate change. But with bold policy, community leadership, and scientific innovation, we can protect our oceans—and the millions who depend on them.
On this World Oceans Day, let’s recommit to healing our planet’s waters. Whether it’s reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable fishing, or advocating for coastal communities, every action matters.
Because a healthy ocean means a healthier Earth—and a more secure future for us all.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/world-oceans-day-2025-a-healthy-ocean-makes-a-healthy-planet
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