"The hug 2023" a day of unity, environmental awareness and inclusion.

International Oceans Day is a unique opportunity to remember the importance of the oceans in our daily lives, actively promote their conservation and encourage sustainable practices. Protecting these vast marine ecosystems is critical to preserving biodiversity, mitigating the effects of climate change, ensuring the livelihoods of coastal communities, and safeguarding the health of our precious planet.

A crowd of enthusiastic volunteers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a, including more than two hundred Scouts, joined in an inspiring day of cleaning up the beaches, followed by an emotional symbolic hug known as "Aquele Abraço" ("The Hug") on the beach of São Conrado. In commemoration of the International Day of the Oceans, on June 8, 2023.

Each one of the volunteers held hands, facing the imposing ocean, and offered a collective hug full of affection and protection towards the waters. This initiative was organized for the third time in a row by the NGOs Route Brasil and Salvemos São Conrado, in close collaboration with the Scouts, who have become valuable partners in raising awareness and making these issues visible in the community.

Through this warm gesture towards the oceans, it seeks to inspire more people to take concrete actions in defense of the environment and the oceans, strengthening the connection between individuals and organizations for the common good. This event has proven to be a powerful tool to promote love and care for our oceans, raising awareness of the prevailing need to preserve these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

Join this symbolic hug and be part of the movement that works tirelessly to protect and preserve our precious oceans!