It is under the theme "Planet Ocean: tides are changing" that the United Nations, on this World Oceans Day, wishes to see the forces of all - decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, public and private sector companies, citizens - unite to give priority to the ocean. This source of life, which covers more than 70% of the planet, produces more than 50% of its oxygen and is home to most of the Earth's biodiversity, sustains all humanity. With 90% of big fish populations already depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, the ocean is in danger. The main culprit? Plastic pollution. It's a stark reality check that calls for awareness and swift action.
The good news? Solutions do exist. Take a closer look.
Treat, prevent and transform
This is Veolia's strategy for combating land-based pollution at source and transforming it into resources. With 80% of pollution coming from land and 60% of the world's population living near the coast, we are all affected by ocean pollution. To reverse this trend, the Group is proposing a shift from a linear to a circular economy. Veolia is committed to cleaning up coastal areas and collecting, treating and recycling wastewater and waste. The Group is also working to prevent and reduce the vulnerability of territories by helping to set up virtuous and innovative ecosystems. In Copenhagen, Denmark, for example, Veolia has set up a modelling and monitoring tool to prevent wastewater from being discharged into the environment in the event of inclement weather. Finally, this strategy to preserve the oceans involves transforming production and consumption patterns to reduce pollution at its source. With this in mind, Veolia has created PlastiLoop, a unique complete service offer that enables its clients to source high-quality recycled plastic resins from around the world.
Less plastic in the oceans means a circular economy and recycling. To this end, a number of initiatives are being developed around the world. In the United Arab Emirates, for example, Veolia has developed a solution for collecting recyclables called RECAPP: the first free service at home or in high-traffic areas to support and reward citizens for their recycling efforts. In this country, where 4 billion plastic bottles are consumed every year and 40% of all plastic in the country is single-use, the transformation has begun.
Acting for a sustainable ocean
It is through research and awareness-raising that the Veolia Foundation works every day to find solutions that halt the degradation of the oceans through awareness-raising actions in order to imagine a more desirable future. For example, it supports the "Ocean Acidification and other ocean Changes - Impacts and solutions" (OACIS) initiative– launched by the Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2)-that studies the addition of alkaline minerals to combat ocean acidification.
It is also a partner of the Tara Océan Foundation, that conducts scientific studies on board the schooner Tara, a floating laboratory that has already covered almost 570,000 kilometres since 2003, calling at more than 60 countries during 12 expeditions carried out in collaboration with leading international laboratories and organisations.
What if guaranteeing sustainable development for the oceans was the main challenge of the 21st century?
