World Oceans Day 2021: Sand Art At Odisha’s Puri Beach Calls To ‘Preserve Ocean, Life And Livelihoods’

New Delhi: Oceans, that cover 70 per cent of the planet are the life source supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth, according to United Nations. To remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life, World Oceans Day is observed annually on June 8. World Oceans Day 2021 is based on the theme “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”. To mark the special occasion and extend his support to protecting oceans, Padma Shree awardee and sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sculpture featuring marine life at Puri beach in Odisha.

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Talking to NDTV about his latest sand art, Mr Pattnaik said,

We have used the heart, a symbol of love, to depict the ocean. The blue colour heart that resembles the ocean has fishes and turtles residing in it and asking to ‘preserve our ocean’. The sea life is appealing for love and care. We all are aware of plastic pollution and how often plastic waste ends up in water bodies polluting the environment and threatening marine life. The sand art is a call to protect the oceans and lives.

Take A Look At The Sand Art

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Mr Pattnaik informed that it took him five hours and six tonnes of sand to put the piece together. The 15 feet wide sand art carries the theme of World Oceans Day 2021 that is ‘The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods’.

Our words need to translate into actions and we all need to take substantial actions towards protecting oceans, said Mr Pattnaik.

The world renowned sand artist has on numerous occasions dedicated his gigantic sand sculptures to raise awareness among people about environmental issues. Last year on World Oceans Day, Mr Pattnaik shared one of his works that called to protect and preserve the oceans from the wrath of plastic pollution.

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The Ocean: Life And Livelihoods

As per the UN, the ocean produces at least 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of the earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030. However, our oceans need our support.

With 90 per cent of big fish populations depleted, and 50 per cent of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance, rooted in true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past, states UN.

World Oceans Day 2021 is focused at mobilising actions for sustainable management of oceans. The day also marks the launch of a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”, by 2030.

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NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.