Empowering Youth to Protect and Preserve Life Below Water

Artwork by Adeena Asif Mukadam

By: Adeena Asif Mukadam, 13, UAE

SDG Goal 14, “Life Below Water,” is about taking care of our oceans and seas. As a 13-year-old student from Year 8 at GEMS Cambridge School in Sharjah, UAE, I have seen firsthand how important it is to protect our oceans. I have been volunteering to clean up beaches and doing my part to make the ocean cleaner and safer for all the creatures that live there.

When I first started volunteering for beach cleanups, I was shocked by how much trash ends up in the ocean. Plastic bottles, bags, and even old fishing nets can be found tangled up on the shore. It made me realize that every little bit of trash we throw away can eventually harm marine life. That’s why I have made it my mission to keep raising awareness about ocean pollution in my school by creating posters and artwork. I have organized talks and activities to show my classmates why it’s so important to protect our oceans and how they can help.

One big part of this goal is to stop pollution in the oceans. As you can see in the artwork, a lot of plastic and other trash ends up in the water, hurting animals and even getting into the food we eat. The goal is to make sure we cut down on the amount of trash going into the ocean by 2025. This means everyone needs to work together to keep the oceans clean and safe. Through my experience, I have learned that protecting our oceans is not just about picking up trash – it’s about changing how we think and act. We need to be more careful about how we use plastic and make sure we recycle properly. I have also encouraged my friends and family to join beach cleanups and think twice before using single-use plastics.

Another part of the goal is about fishing. Overfishing is when people catch too many fish too quickly, which can make some kinds of fish disappear. SDG 14 wants to make sure that people fish in a way that doesn’t harm the fish populations. This means using better fishing practices and stopping illegal fishing so that there are always enough fish for everyone. Every small action we take can make a big difference.

Lastly, the goal is also about protecting places like coral reefs and mangroves that are home to many sea creatures. These places are in danger because of things like climate change and pollution. By protecting these areas and making sure they stay healthy, we can help the animals and plants that live in the ocean. In conclusion, SDG Goal 14 is about making sure our oceans stay healthy for the future. By volunteering, spreading awareness, and making smarter choices, we can all contribute to this important goal. I am proud to be doing my part, and I will keep working to ensure our oceans remain clean and full of life.