Let's make a difference

Everyday we have the opportunity to reduce our impact on the planet and to reflect on how we can form part of the solution. But what does being sustainable really mean? Sustainability implies making conscious decisions to make sure that natural resources are available for future generations. This can encompass our daily habits, for example, paying attention to our waste and how we recycle it, as well as bigger commitments, such as supporting initiatives that protect the oceans.

Our oceans, covering more than 70% of the earth’s surface, are crucial for life on the planet. They act as climate regulators, producers of oxygen and a refuge for innumerable species. However, their health is threatened by pollution, global warming and overfishing. Little things, such as reducing your use of single use plastics, eating sustainably sourced fish and participating in coastal cleanups, can have a direct and positive impact on the conservation of these species.

At Orca we support initiatives led by associations that strive to contribute towards sustainability and to reduce the human impact on the oceans, including Whales and Dolphins, Great Barrier Reef and Kind Surf. Each charity works from a different angle, but their main aim is the same: to preserve and care for marine ecosystems for our future generations. 

The Whales and Dolphins Conservation (WDC) charity is dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises all over the world. Founded in 1987, their mission is to create a world in which cetaceans can live freely and safely. In order to achieve this, WDC focuses on several key areas, including creating marine sanctuaries, combating whaling, reducing bycatch in fishing nets and eliminating marine pollution.

The charity also advocates for a ban on holding animals in captivity and promotes their wellbeing through educational and public awareness programmes. Through scientific investigation, global campaigns and collaborations with the government and other charities, WDC strives to protect the marine environment in order to ensure a sustainable future for these animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.  

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation aims to conserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the most important and diverse ocean ecosystems in the world. The foundation works in collaboration with scientists, local communities, the government and private companies in order to fund and support projects which help to protect the reef from threats, including global warming, pollution and the degradation of its biodiversity.

They find themselves faced with challenges such as coral bleaching, rising water temperatures and ocean acidification, which have pushed the foundation to focus on finding innovative, science-based solutions. Their main projects include restoring coral reefs, protecting endangered species and improving water quality. 

Kind Surf, an association based in the Basque Country, has begun to use surfing as a tool to support social inclusion and the empowerment of children and young people in disadvantaged situations, where values such as solidarity, respect for nature and sustainability are encouraged. Kind Surf helps children to build a connection with the sea, to learn how to surf and to enjoy activities that improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.

The association also promotes respect for the environment, integrating awareness of ocean protection and caring for the natural environment into its activities. Through environmental education and social inclusion, Kind Surf strives not only to improve children’s lives but to create a generation of young people who are more aware of and who are committed to the planet’s sustainability.

Sustainability is a shared responsibility; every action, however small, helps. We should keep on learning and acting responsibly in order to build the future that we would like to live in.