10 virtuous behaviours to protect the sea
The sea, along with the ocean, is responsible for producing 50% of the oxygen we breathe which is essential for our daily well-being. This is how to respect it.
Every year on April 11th is National Sea Day in Italy. Established in 2018, it is celebrated in schools of all levels to raise awareness of the importance of water protection and develop a culture of sea safeguarding as a resource of great scientific, recreational, cultural and economic value.
Students are called to become “active” citizens of the sea, guardians of its conservation and culture.
The sea, along with the ocean and glaciers, is fundamental for our daily well-being and the future of the planet: it is involved in the production of 50% of the oxygen we breathe and is a treasure chest of biodiversity and biological wealth.
This is not all, humanity owes a lot to the sea, from the creation of life to climate regulation to the generation of fresh water, to the production of food, to sensory well-being up to seaside tourism with considerable economic and social advantages.
Sardinia has a strong bond with its crystalline sea, the true symbol of the island. It is one of the most beautiful in the world with its clear blue waters. Paired with the white sand beaches it is the ideal place to spend unforgettable holidays in a truly heavenly setting.
Unfortunately, in recent years the sea, as well as nature, has been suffering due to increasing pollution and the intense exploitation of raw materials. Examples are plastics and microplastics pollution, ocean acidification, the increase in C02 in the atmosphere and the dangers faced by marine fauna and flora.
Every pollutant released into the environment does not take long to reach the sea and, with it, even the most remote and previously uncontaminated corners of the world.
Reversing this course is urgent but feasible: everyone can make a difference by adopting virtuous behaviours to live in harmony with the environment and preserve it for future generations.
10 rules to follow to protect the sea
The sea plays a central role in life on Earth.
In recent years, attention has grown to environmental sustainability and concern regarding the health of our seas.
Here, then, are ten practical tips to follow to avoid ecological disasters and save the sea:
- Limit the consumption of plastic: speaking of pollution of the sea, we must immediately refer to plastic, one of the biggest issues in our waters. Avoid disposable bottles, cutlery and glasses and do not leave plastic bags at the mercy of the wind;
- Do not throw cigarette butts on the beach: for years, this has been the most common, highly polluting and dangerous waste for marine fauna;
- Reduce C02 emissions: the sea has the great power to absorb more than 25% of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This causes the waters to sour causing damage to flora, fauna, algae and corals. Using public transport while limiting emissions is a winning strategy;
- Clean beaches: Keeping beaches free of waste is a good way to save the sea. Currents and wind can bring into the sea an ever-increasing amount of waste;
- Do not use body soap or shampoo when showering on the beach: after a swim in the sea, it is important to rinse off the sand and salt but shampoos and shower gels can cause harm as the drain of the showers on the beach often goes directly into the sea without filters or anti-pollution systems;
- Respect the inhabitants of the sea: do not collect starfish, crabs, or molluscs but let them live quietly in their environment and admire them by snorkelling from a certain distance without disturbing them;
- Keep informed: it is essential to read up and become conscious consumers to reduce our environmental impact as much as possible and make the best choices for the protection of the marine ecosystem;
- Follow a balanced diet: Intensive fishing is causing a significant depletion of fish species and bringing them to the brink of extinction. It is therefore essential to adopt a diet as varied as possible with particular attention to sustainable farming and fishing;
- Involve others: inform friends, relatives and acquaintances of the dangers to the sea and encourage them to take an interest in the care of the ecosystem;
- Get involved in sea defence organisations: it is also important to act on the front line by participating in the initiatives of organisations that actively fight against environmental damage every day.
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