THURSDAY, 27 JUNE – World Ocean Day 2013 is able to create awareness to the public on the roles of ocean towards human lives, and the importance of supporting the care for ocean and protecting its ecosystem.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd.  Harun Abdullah said that it was the community’s obligation to protect the ocean because it covers 71 percent of the earth’s surface and is the source of livelihood to human.

“The ocean is closely related to our everyday lives, no matter where we are.  We should appreciate and protect the ocean which gives different meanings to each and everyone of us,” he said.  His speech text was read by his representative, Prof. Dr. Felix Tongkul, the Director of the Research and Innovation Centre when officiating the World Ocean Day celebration at the Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB) at the Aquarium and Marine Museum, UMS.

He praised the efforts by IPMB in producing a bulletin on ‘The Ocean: Facts & View’ in conjunction with the celebration which begun on 8 June.

“I understand that this bulletin has all the facts on ocean and scientists’ views meant to stir serious minds and to put forward a strong message in protecting the ocean”.

“With UMS being an EcoCampus, activities such as this should be intensified because such effort runs parallel with the practice of sustainable within the campus, thus supporting the role of UMS EcoCampus,’ he added further.

Among some of the activities held in conjunction with World Ocean Day 2013 celebration was the launching of the bulletin ‘The Ocean; Facts & View’, official opening of the ‘Ocean Outreach Corner’ at the Marine Aquarium, essay writing competition with the theme ‘The Ocean That We Want’, and oath-signing ‘We Accept the Ocean As the Main Component of Earth System and Committed to Play the Role of Leadership for the Ocean That We Want for the Sake of the Present and Future Generations’. - FL

By: Mohd. Affzanizam Mohd. Amin
Photo: Yusdi Ismail, IPMB