ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, IN MESSAGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, CALLS FOR HALT TO DEGRADATION OF OCEANS
Press Release
GA/SM/44
UNEP/29
ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, IN MESSAGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, CALLS FOR HALT TO DEGRADATION OF OCEANS
19980605 Following is the text of the message by the President of the General Assembly, Hennadiy Udovenko (Ukraine), on World Environment Day (5 June):Once again, the date of 5 June, traditionally marked as World Environment Day, provides us with a helpful occasion to reflect on the state of our fragile environment. It is an observance that draws attention to some of the harmful ways in which humanity is imperiling its own habitation. It emphasizes the urgency of changing our attitudes and behaviour, through responsible practices and united action.
If there is one sphere vital for human existence that is in special need of such attention, it is the world's oceans. It is all the more timely, therefore, that the theme of this year's World Environment Day is "For Life on Earth: Save Our Seas".
The oceans drive the world climate as a system. They are the lungs of the world and a source of life. But their resources are not inexhaustible, and neither is their ability to endlessly absorb waste. With changing land- use patterns forced by an ever increasing population, with the development of industries and the massive use of agro-chemicals, the oceans have reached the limits of their capacity to assimilate the waste generated by man. Some 77 per cent of the pollution of our oceans can be traced to land-based sources.
But this is only one of the many threats imperiling our marine environment. It is continuously affected by the ever expanding shipping industries, overfishing, marine mineral exploitation, a massive outpouring of coastal development and, perhaps the greatest threat, climate change.
All of these dangers, as well the very scale and globality of the oceans -- which cover over 70 per cent of the Earth's surface -- rule out effective care and management by a single nation or group of nations. Oceans have no respect for the artificial boundaries drawn by man. Clearly, our simplistic vision of an endless ocean must change. Furthermore, we have realized that development which does not take into consideration the environment is self- defeating. We have also realized that environmental issues are inextricably linked to the larger issues of peace, international cooperation and economic development.
This is where the role of the United Nations takes on special significance. And as we observe today World Environment Day, let us resolve to make everything possible to halt the degradation of our oceans. Let us reaffirm our commitment and our shared responsibility to pass on to our children the full bounty of this planet.
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