Life on our planet depends on water. For that reason alone, rivers, lagoons, seas and oceans represent arguably our most valuable natural capital. It is in the oceans that human civilization established links between cultures and territories throughout its history. The oceans contain an enormous biological diversity that, although threatened, is a source of innumerable resources that it is incumbent upon all of us to care for and preserve. 

In 2008, the United Nations declared June 8 as World Oceans Day to highlight the essential nature of this gigantic resource. More than an ephemeris, it allows us to place the oceans in the discussion of habits, coexistence, production systems, and public policies. 

Today, the oceans are seriously threatened in their integrity and ecosystemic conditions. Pollution, overexploitation of resources, and global warming are putting the world’s oceans at risk, and northwestern Mexico is no exception. For this reason, at Pronatura Noroeste, we dedicate a large part of our efforts to caring for and preserving the region´s seas and oceans, with the monitoring of protected areas, the promotion of responsible fisheries, conservation education, and the legal protection of vulnerable ecosystems, among other actions.  

Today and always, we must promote local communities and industry in all its branches, as well as government entities and civil organizations, to establish solid criteria for the conservation of water and the oceans, including culture for waste management of all kinds.  

Let us celebrate the greatness of our oceans. May this date allow us to deepen our reflection and action for the benefit of this fundamental resource for sustainable development in harmony with nature.