Free community screening of OCEAN

SIR David Attenborough has continually amazed the world with his nature documentaries, but no more so than with ‘OCEAN’, which takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean.

Friends of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the National Parks Association are among the co-hosts of a free community screening of ‘OCEAN’ on 13 November at the Cavanbah Hall.

The screening is to promote the importance of Attenborough’s message in the film around ‘30×30’ – the global goal to protect a third of the planet by 2030, which 196 nations have agreed to.

Thirty per cent isn’t a random number – it is backed by science

Effectively protecting and managing at least 30 per cent of the world’s ocean and coastal areas by 2030 matters because well-managed marine protected areas can give habitats and species room to recover, help ecosystems withstand climate pressures, and support the long-term health of fisheries and coastal communities.

For some time, conservationists have been calling for the NSW Government to apply the target locally in the upcoming review for state waters, which is yet to be announced.

More than 185 organisations have joined a joint letter in support of this call.

There is also growing support – from farmers to scientists to nature-based businesses – for Australian governments to endorse 30×30.

Danielle Ryan, from Friends of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, said, “We are really excited to share this amazing film with its message of hope in Coffs Harbour.

“Viewers will also have the opportunity to see what local groups are doing to keep our oceans healthy.”

Places can be reserved by going to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/ and searching for ‘oceans’ in Coffs Harbour.

By Andrew VIVIAN