Today, June 8, is "World Oceans Day," designated by the United Nations.
From beautiful beaches to fresh seafood, the ocean is an irreplaceable blessing of nature that is vital to tourism. However, our oceans today face numerous challenges, including plastic pollution and environmental degradation.
What future travel demands is not the mere consumption of the ocean, but a "responsible approach" that preserves its beauty for generations to come. Today, we would like to introduce some simple actions we can take starting now, along with the ocean-related environmental certifications that are currently gaining attention.
Is Your Sunscreen Hurting the Ocean?
Sunscreen is an essential item for summer beaches and travel. However, did you know that its ingredients can cause severe damage to coral reefs, which form the very foundation of marine ecosystems?
Chemicals known as "UV absorbers" (such as oxybenzone and octinoxate) found in many commercially available products damage coral DNA. This significantly accelerates "coral bleaching," a phenomenon that ultimately leads to their death.
"Banned from Entry" is Becoming a Global Standard
This is no longer just a matter of voluntary environmental friendliness. In places likeHawaii,Palau, andnational parks in Thailand, the sale and possession of sunscreens containing these harmful ingredients are already prohibited by law.
The first crucial step for travelers is simply to be aware of this fact. Choosing ocean-friendly, "reef-safe" sunscreens made with ingredients like zinc oxide, or wearing rash guards, makes a world of difference.
What We Can Do From Today to Protect the Ocean
The actions we can take to protect our oceans can start with simple, everyday habits. In addition to choosing eco-friendly sunscreen, picking up small pieces of trash on the beach (beachcombing) and leaving corals and shells where they belong are also important practices. Being mindful of reducing single-use plastics and choosing beaches that have achieved "Blue Flag" status are powerful ways to support our oceans.
What is Blue Flag? Blue Flag is an international environmental certification awarded exclusively to beaches that meet strict global standards regarding water quality, environmental management, and safety. JARTA operates as the national secretariat for this program in Japan.
The UN theme for this year is "REIMAGINE." It is a call to rethink our past relationship with the ocean and co-create a new, harmonious one.
The single bottle of sunscreen we choose for our next trip, and the beaches we decide to visit, are all tangibly connected to the world's oceans.
This summer, why not pack a new kind of kindness for the ocean into your bag and set off on your journey?
