KIDS CORNER
THE SEA IN THE EYES OF CHILDREN FEATURE ROSARITA GAGLIARDI
REASONS FOR THIS PROJECT "The Sea in the Eyes of Children" is an international project proposed in collaboration with institutions, governments, and educational establishments. It is aimed at the entire population, particularly youths. The project responds to the call of the WHO for every state and organisation to adopt a policy of prevention and education regarding environmental respect and the aquatic world. Additionally, the project aligns with the objectives and values of COP28 to disseminate proper education and knowledge, enabling individuals to adopt appropriate behaviours for environmental sustainability. By participating in this project, every individual, association, and institution can actively support, implement, and strengthen the expressed will of COP28 and the request made by the WHO, emphasising data that we must reflect upon: • Human activities have profoundly altered the fundamental life cycles crucial for the global ecosystem's functioning. • Human activities are contributing to the acceleration of significant climate changes that have already produced significant negative effects on biodiversity. (ISPRA environment data) • The second leading cause of death globally is youths drowning between the ages of 4 to 19 years. Among those under thirty, half of the drowned individuals knew how to swim (pre-Covid19 WHO data). Clearly, in 28
DIVERS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT | DECEMBER 2023
addition to swimming education, the causes must be sought in the lack of knowledge, the context, and the way individuals face and manage unexpected events and stress. "The Sea in the Eyes of Children" is a theoretical and practical educational and training project targeting the youth aged 8 to 19. It is proposed within educational institutions and in collaboration with institutions. In the territory where the project is activated, the "Rights of the Sea" flag is handed over to the institutions. This flag signifies that concrete training policies for young people related to environmental knowledge and protection have been implemented in that territory: • Knowledge, Safeguarding, and Environmental Protection • Self-awareness through Stress Management in Emergencies • Engagement with institutions through sensitising youths to interact synergistically with governmental bodies. The project heeds the WHO's call for every state and organisation to adopt a policy of prevention and education regarding environmental respect and the aquatic world. Additionally, the project aligns with the objectives and values of COP28 to disseminate proper education, training, and knowledge for environmental sustainability. The project places great importance on
the environment and its respect. This stems from fostering respect towards oneself (understanding needs and resources) and others (comprehension, respect, boundaries, empathy, cause, and effect). Therefore, citizens with specific training and knowledge in this regard can adopt responsible manoeuvres and behaviours for the conservation and protection of both marine and terrestrial environments, and promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, the delivery of the "Rights of the Sea" flag signifies that in that city, nation, or territory, specific training in schools has been activated by institutions for self-protection, safety, self-awareness, and environmental respect. The display of the flag in beaches, oases, etc, is of particular interest to tourists, indicating that in that territory, people have received specific education on environmental respect and safety. It's an example that can be exported beyond the country, becoming a virtuous model to follow. The project has significant implications for the territory in which it is implemented and spans across various sectors. It lays the groundwork for a genuine culture of sustainability, even in the world of business. The concept and education on sustainability have already and will continue to increasingly alter the approach to business and enterprise. It serves as a strategic lever capable of harmoniously and responsibly reconciling economic, environmental, and social needs. It's within the "State of Mind" of
