World Ocean Day: SYND, French Embassy Push for Ocean Protection Amidst Plastic Menace and Illegal Fishing Losses
Executive Coordinator of the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), Chibeze Ezekiel, has underscored the need for urgent and strategic actions to curb Ghana’s escalating plastic pollution and marine degradation.
Speaking to the media during the 2025 World Ocean Day commemoration, themed “Ocean, a Wonder of Wonders,” Mr. Ezekiel highlighted the dire impacts of plastic waste and illegal fishing on national development and ocean-dependent livelihoods.
“Our focus today is on creating public awareness about the plastic menace and its adverse impact on our environment and health. This event also serves as a precursor to the third United Nations Oceans Conference in France, where civil society and relevant actors will gather to discuss solutions and mainstream actionable outcomes into local policies, ” Mr. Ezekiel said.
Citing alarming economic and social costs, Mr. Ezekiel revealed that Ghana loses approximately $50 million annually due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, a figure he says could otherwise support critical national development needs.
“We have at least two million people whose livelihoods directly depend on the ocean. If we can plug this $50 million leakage, that money could support our development and reduce over-reliance on taxes,” he argued.
On the matter of plastics, Mr. Ezekiel called for a deliberate transition strategy for industries, pointing out the availability of biodegradable alternatives.
“I saw a plastic-like bottle made from plants and it decomposes naturally. That’s what innovation can do,” he said, stressing the need for government to support producers in switching to eco-friendly materials.
He also advocated for stronger government investment in ocean protection infrastructure, noting that safeguarding the ocean could reduce the employment burden on the state.
“It’s a win-win. If we protect ocean livelihoods, government won’t have to create new jobs for those affected by its degradation,” he added.
France Reaffirms Climate and Ocean Commitments
Also addressing the media was Julien Lecas, Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy in Ghana, who emphasized France’s longstanding commitment to climate and ocean conservation, referencing the historic 2015 Paris Climate Conference.
“The World Oceans Day Conference in Nice is to evaluate progress on ocean protection across the world,” Mr. Lecas stated.
Touching on France’s collaboration with Ghana in respect to ocean protection and climate change, Me Lecas stated, “France continues to collaborate with the Ghanaian government on climate resilience to agriculture and water management.”
He revealed ongoing projects including a dam construction in northern Ghana to mitigate water scarcity and flooding, alongside coastal erosion control and plastic recycling initiatives.
“We are currently supporting research by the University of Ghana which focuses on converting plastic waste into fuel. This may not be the final solution, but it’s a critical first step toward eliminating plastic pollution,” Mr. Lecas said.
Mr. Lecas further reiterated the need for practical, locally adapted solutions saying, “While some in Europe advocate for ending plastic use entirely, here in Ghana, the immediate priority is to recycle and manage waste. Over time, we can move toward full elimination.”
The World Ocean Day celebration brought together environmental advocates, government representatives, and civil society organizations in a unified call for sustainable ocean governance, investment in marine infrastructure, and climate-conscious development.
