THE OCEAN MATTERS TO ALL OF US! (cliquez ici pour voir cette page en Français )
All the world’s oceans are interconnected; they form one huge Ocean, covering 72% of the surface area of our planet: the World Ocean. Wherever we are in the world, near or far from water, our deeds have an impact on the Ocean. Pollution, destruction, exploitation of resources are all human activities which in the last five years have caused unparalleled damage to the Ocean. This affects the planet’s environment; life on Earth is under threat. We must react urgently so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of the Ocean. Each action completed, every deed performed to help the environment will contribute to preserving maritime resources.
A Passport of Citizen of the Ocean?
Most people on the planet are proud to bear a passport. It is an international symbol of citizenship, a document issued by the State that attests to the nationality and identity of its nationals. Network members have acknowledged a new country: the World Ocean. As every human being is concerned by the Ocean, every human being can become a Citizen of the Ocean. Requesting your Passport of Citizen of the Ocean is a commitment as an inhabitant of the Blue Planet but also means showing that the future of the Ocean is a concern for us all, as our future depends on it. It also means becoming a representative of the sea on land. It means wanting to ensure a viable future for subsequent generations. It is a commitment to adopting new behaviour. Click here or on the image besides to see a sample version (PDF, 508 Kb)
		The World Ocean Network has widened the scope of the Passport of the Citizen of the Ocean, printed for adults and teenagers. It is now possible to read it in many languages. In addition, since the 8 th of June, 2005, the children from eight to twelve years old can obtain their “first Passport of Citizen of the Ocean” in English and French, and then, discover in a playful way the essential actions to preserve the future of the ocean and of the Blue Planet.
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Making this commitment means exercising rights but also fulfilling one’s obligations. It means acting as a Citizen of the Ocean. How do you act as a Citizen of the Ocean? In becoming a Citizen of the Ocean, the bearer of this passport undertakes to carry out a number of actions that help preserve and protect the Ocean or, more simply, spreading knowledge about its role and importance to our planet and to humanity. In stating a few ‘ecologically correct’ rules, the passport acts as a guide: it outlines a few gestures to follow and offers some ideas for further activity. Thanks to his or her passport as the sign of a commitment made, the Citizen of the Ocean can also in turn inform and act as a relay for subsequent Citizens of the Ocean, take action and write down in the passport all commitments made and activities undertaken. The citizen’s initiatives can also be approved by participating centres to become an Ambassador of the Ocean. With this passport, the Citizen of the Ocean is no longer a mere spectator; s/he is a committed actor with responsibility for the future of the Blue Planet. All these deeds taken together may in the future help to save the Ocean for future generations so that our children can continue to enjoy the riches of an Ocean that will feed them, provide them with energy, allow them to travel and act as the location for future leisure and continue to help ensure a balanced climate on their planet. Acting by means of the Citizen of the Ocean Passport is a first concrete step. Caring for the Blue Planet, you can make a difference. Think of the significant difference 6 billion of us can make! The Passport of the Citizen of the Ocean was officially launched on June 8, 2004 during World Ocean Day. The Passport of the Citizen of the Ocean is available from WORLD OCEAN NETWORK members on request (click here to see the list of institutions delivering the Passport). For the German version, please contact the Lighthouse Foundation. For the Italian version, please contact the Acquario di Genova or La Citta Della Scienza. For the Portuguese version, please contact the Oceanario de Lisboa. For its 1st edition, the printing of the Passport of Citizen of the Ocean has been financed with the support of the International Carrefour Foundation .