Waves of change

Amidst the collapsing marine ecosystem, young changemakers like Ajay Sawant, a 24-year-old ocean-climate communicator, policy advocate, and youth organiser, is playing a pivotal role in preserving what has been long taken for granted.

- Roushan Chatterjee

Recently, we observed World Ocean Day on 8 June—a day to reflect on the immense contribution of the ocean to sustain life on Earth. It's also a moment to spotlight the urgent need for their protection. Covering over 70 per cent of the Earth's surface, the ocean produces more than half of the world's oxygen and supports the livelihood of over a billion people. However, today, with rising temperatures, overfishing, and plastic pollution, it is under immense threat.

Ajay Sawant, currently serving as the president of a global youth-led network ThinkOcean Society, and a voracious ocean-climate communicator is working towards marine conservation, climate justice, and empowering coastal communities across six countries. Apart from that, he serves on the UN Ocean Decade Strategic Communications Advisory Board, contributing to global efforts to amplify ocean storytelling and initiatives by supporting the Decade-endorsed projects.

The Statesman spoke to Ajay Sawant whose primary aim is to make ocean conservation more human, inclusive, and rooted in care.

Q. What sparked your journey into ocean and marine conservation?

I grew up near the Arabian Sea in Mumbai. The ocean was like a part of my daily life—walking along the shore, picking up shells, building castles. It didn't feel like a cause, but rather something personal. But over time, shells disappeared and were replaced by plastic. I also dealt with allergies, always wheezing through monsoons. Somewhere, I saw a link—it felt as if the pollution affected my lungs the same way as it affected the sea. This experience stirred me to express my frustration and hope through art, writing, and interaction. I wanted people to feel the ocean as something close, and worth protecting. What began as a feeling, became a purpose.

Q. How is the ocean connected to climate, culture and community?