Ocean campaigners bring their message to the public at the People's Summit Hosted by Tara Expeditions

Susanna Fuller, Co-ordinator

of the High Seas Alliance

While heads of state and government officials began meetings at Rio centro for the first day of the Rio+20 summit, across the other side of town by the sea, ocean campaigners brought their message of the need for better ocean protection to the public at the People's Summit. 

Hundreds of people gathered in the Blue Pavilion to learn more about the need to take responsibility for the oceans and the crucial role they play in affecting change for the future of the oceans.  Ocean campaigners and scientists lead the discussion on the effects of climate change on the oceans, biodiversity, and the need for legal agreements to protect the High Seas. 

Susanna Fuller of the High Seas Alliance stated;  "We are all here today because we care about the oceans, and I urge you to also show that you care... We have to make governments accountable for their decisions"

Dr Alex Rogers was encouraged that so many young people were in attendance and stated that "the future of our seas depends on young people learning about the critical importance of the oceans to humankind" 

Charlotte Smith from Oceans Inc also explained the role that the media and public have in helping to pressure governments, by gathering voices and sources of information and helping spread the word on the damage being done to the oceans.   

The event was co-hosted by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, IUCN Global and Marine Polar Programme, the High Seas Alliance, NRDC and Oceans Inc,  who were all encouraged by the positive response and level of enthusiasm that the public showed today.

Photo courtesy of the High Seas Alliance