Hi there! Have you heard of SDGs? No no no, this isn't another acronym that kids-these-days use to survive on social media platforms, but these SDGs surely present a survival guide for all Earthlings. SDG is an acronym for Sustainable development goals which were adopted by the United Nations as a part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. There are 17 SDGs proposed which are an urgent call for action for all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership towards peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. In India, our government and private bodies have started working enthusiastically towards many of these Sustainable Development Goals. However, we will specifically look at SDG 14 in this blog. Hope you have your swimsuits ready, because we are going to dive underwater! What? - SDG 14 focuses on LIFE BELOW WATER. It aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Why? - Now you might ask what does it have to do with me who lives kilometres away from these oceans? Why should I worry? Why are you so concerned about this remote problem? Let me ask you one simple question- What are the basic needs of man? All life on earth is interconnected. Our oceans are under severe threat from Plastic/marine pollution, fishery collapse, ocean warming, eutrophication, acidification, rise in dead zones among many problems. In addition, over half of marine key biodiversity areas are not protected and only 1.2% national research budgets are allocated for ocean science! This is why it is so important to take steps towards SDG-14. How? - “A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.” - Chinese proverb Here are a few things you can do individually to contribute towards SDG-14: -Reduce waste - much of the waste that we produce on land ends up in the oceans. Stop using plastic bags: Usage and wrong disposal of plastic is a major cause of marine pollution. -Organize a cleanup project for rivers and oceans. Engage your whole community to clean up a local river, seaside or an ocean. -Never buy bottled water – boil, filter, chlorine, rainwater, do what you can. -Run a campaign on the effects of plastic use on the seas and oceans. -Buy local and certified fish. You can support small-scale producers by shopping in local markets and shops. -Find a Goal 14 charity you want to support. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference! (Check out mysuperhumanrace.com) -Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.