Exhibition: Time for action

Action #1: Say No to plastic!

Starting tomorrow, I’m making a change! Recycling isn’t cutting it, and the plastic waste is too much! So, I’m cutting down on my plastic use at every chance I get. For starters, I’m ditching plastic bottles. I’ll switch to a stainless steel water bottle instead—it’s healthier and more cost-effective! And for my picnics, I’m opting for reusable cutlery and plates over disposable plastic ones. This move will help prevent marine animals like turtles and birds from dying due to intestinal blockage from ingesting them… and it’ll stop plastics that break down into micro-particles from entering the marine food chain!

I’m committed to action #1:

Action #2: Stop overexploiting biodiversity!

From today, I’m no longer consuming overexploited and threatened fish species. When buying fish, I inquire about its origin, whether the fishing method is sustainable, and the stock status of that species. I prefer local catches from artisanal coastal fisheries over industrial fishing. Is this species overexploited at the time I wish to consume it? This is the crucial question to ask to act as a responsible consumer, aware of one’s strength and the influence one can wield! A tip: download the Mr Goodfish app. It will help you understand what’s good for the sea and good for you!

I commit to action #2 :

Action #3: Stop overconsuming energy!

I’ve come to understand that it’s somewhat late to halt the process of climate change and the rising temperatures, accelerated by our excessive consumption. However, not everything is lost! Reasonable energy consumption can help us slow down and stabilize this process, limiting its effects on the Mediterranean environment, fauna, and flora. So, I’m going to make an effort: not letting the water run unnecessarily, turning off the lights, buying less but choosing more durable and local products, getting my appliances repaired, using public transport when possible, or cycling…

I’m committed to action #3:

Action #4: Yes to education for all!

Thinking about how many children and youths lack access to education worldwide, and how they’re not enrolled in schools in numerous countries, deeply saddens me, especially knowing that poverty is the main cause! This needs to change! I’m willing to volunteer my time and commit to sharing my knowledge on environmental management and understanding of the Mediterranean environment. Sustainable protection is a cross-generational matter. We must ensure that the younger generations adopt the right actions and do not repeat the same mistakes we made…

I’m committed to action #4:

Action #5: Yes to eco-citizenship!

I’ve made up my mind! I want to act on my level to accelerate change. No more eco-anxiety or feeling that nothing is shifting! It’s time to mobilize to help protect the Mediterranean, to take our fate into our own hands! To start, I plan to create my own association or join an existing one and take the initiative to organize beach cleanups, to set an example! I’m eager to participate in the life of my community and engage in initiatives and decisions. Following that, I’ll join an international NGO to influence decision-makers and encourage them to move in the right direction, towards sustainable management!

I’m committed to action #5:

Action #6: Yes to responsible tourism!

From now on, I’ve decided to minimize the impact of my travels and to inform myself in advance about the places I visit and their environmental quality. Are they protected, sensitive, and is it reasonable to visit them? I prefer to visit sites where the managers make efforts towards sustainable development and respect for natural environments, with a real commitment! It’s up to me to make the effort to seek out information because, let’s face it, it’s not always available and clear.

I’m committed to action #6: