By Rabeca Manuel Nhancale, Mozambique
For me, the ocean is a vast body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface. My first memory of the ocean, so to speak, was realising its vital importance to our planet. It plays a crucial role in regulating the climate, the water cycle, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and sustaining a huge variety of marine life.
The experience of the ocean can vary widely between people, from memories of beach holidays to experiences of diving and underwater exploration, to dependence on coastal communities for subsistence and livelihoods. The ocean is a source of beauty, mystery, natural resources and inspiration for many around the world.
When I think of the ocean, various ideas and images come to mind:
Vastness and Mystery: The ocean covers most of the Earth’s surface and is vast and deep, which evokes a sense of mystery and the unknown. Much of the ocean remains unexplored and there is much to be discovered in its depths.
Natural Beauty: I think of the natural beauty of the crystal blue waters, the white sandy beaches, the colourful coral reefs and the diverse marine life that inhabits the oceans.
Importance to Life: I consider the fundamental importance of the ocean to life on Earth. It plays a vital role in regulating the climate, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Environmental Challenges: I reflect on the environmental challenges we face in relation to the ocean, such as pollution, acidification, warming waters, overfishing and the impact of human activities on coastal communities and marine life.
Exploration and Discovery: I imagine the continuous exploration of the ocean, both to better understand its mysteries and to find natural resources, medicines and possible life forms.
Leisure and Recreation: The ocean is also associated with recreational and leisure activities, such as swimming, surfing, diving, boating and relaxing on beaches.
Vamizi Island, Quirimbas Archipelago. © Mark Ziembicki
For me, the ocean is a source of livelihood. The ocean is also a place of culture and tradition. The ocean holds deep cultural and traditional meanings for many communities in Mozambique, including myself. Cultural practices, ceremonies, myths and legends often have links to the sea and its creatures. The ocean also has a deep spiritual connection; it is seen as a symbol of power, renewal and connection with greater forces. Mozambique’s beaches are known for their natural beauty and offer opportunities for tourism and recreation. The ocean in Mozambique is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles and marine mammals. Similar to many people, I therefore value the ocean as a unique and precious ecosystem that deserves protection. In short, the ocean has a multifaceted importance for people in Mozambique, ranging from subsistence to cultural, tourist, spiritual and economic aspects. Protecting and conserving the ocean is essential to ensure its continued role in sustaining coastal communities and preserving marine biodiversity.
I have many memorable experiences with the ocean. For example, sailing on a boat across the ocean on the island of Inhaca, in Inhambane Bay, on Barra beach and Tofo, offers breathtaking views of the sea and can be a relaxing and exciting experience. I also love watching the sunset over the ocean, whether on a quiet beach or from a panoramic location, ‘’which’’can be an incredibly beautiful and serene experience, particularly on Mozambique’s beautiful beaches. I’ve been to the Bazaruto Archipelago and it’s a beautiful place, like a paradise on earth. I also like exploring coastal trails and walking along the coast, enjoying the views of the ocean and listening to the sound of the waves breaking on Vilankulo beach in Inhambane Province. Not forgetting the gastronomy of the region, seafood cooked with coconut is delicious. In addition to being important for climate regulation, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and sustaining a huge variety of marine life, the ocean is also important for its source of data and information. The ocean is a rich source of data and information that is used to train and feed my knowledge on a variety of topics, from ocean science to human activities related to the sea, such as navigation, fishing and tourism. In conclusion, the ocean plays a significant role in my life, and in the lives of people on a global scale – particularly when it comes to the global economy and human wellbeing.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University. Read the collection of stories here.
Feature Photo: Gleaning for bivalves in Ulo, Mozambique. © Jose Paula
