|
International Day for Biological Diversity focuses on oceans
23.05.2012 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Resources found in oceans are important for millions of people around the world.
Thats the message of the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Braulio Ferreira, to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May.
The body overseeing the convention warns that overfishing, pollution and run-off from farming are among the major threats to the survival of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Mr. Ferreira says that millions of people who may not think they have any strong reliance on the oceans receive all kinds of benefits from marine ecosystems and wildlife.
«Fisheries provide over 15 per cent of the dietary intake of animal protein globally. Many coastal environments provide protection to those further inland from the natural disasters coming from the sea. Substance derived from sea weeds stabilize and thicken creams, sauces and paste, are mixed into the paints and used to make paper and even skin lotion and tooth paste,» admits Mr. Ferreira.
Besides, Mr. Ferreira says many marine plants and animals also contain a multitude of substance being used or identified as being of potential use in medicine.
Also available:
|
| |
|
|