International Year of the Ocean - 1998
When the UN declared 1998 the International Year of the Oceans, the expectation was to draw attention to crucial issues, especially the limits of marine resources and pollution caused by human activities. The idea was to secure commitments from various countries to take measures that would preserve the oceans for future generations.
Throughout the year, Maristela Colucci had her underwater photos exhibited at the Brazil Pavilion during Expo'98 in Lisbon, Portugal; selected to illustrate a commemorative stamp sheet by the Correios; featured on Telebrás telephone cards. Maristela was also responsible for writing and presenting the OCEANS bulletins, which aired once a week for 12 months on Rádio Eldorado FM.
Conserving the diversity of life on Earth and the health of the oceans is crucial for global human well-being. However, over 20 years later, essential resources remain at risk due to the direct results of unsustainable practices. Sustainable development cannot be achieved solely through technological solutions, political regulation, or financial instruments. We need to change the way we think and act.
UNESCO is leading the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the oceans, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
