Today marks World Ocean Day, which aims to promote public interest in protecting the oceans, while World Environment Day was held on Monday (June 5).

COA President Mario Moccia and Sports Sustainability Commission chair Mabel Roca were among those who addressed delegates in attendance in the city of Mar del Plata.

Representatives of the National University of Mar del Plata were among those who participated, along with local clubs and federations in the city.

Beach volleyball players Ana Gallay, Fernanda Pereyra and Martín Conde, long-distance runners Mariano Mastromarino and María de los Ángeles Peralta, rowers Brian and Cristian Rosso, volleyball player Lucas Conde and 3x3 basketball player Juan Esteban de la Fuente all featured at the event as well.

Participants agreed educational and sports institutions should serve as models for environmental protection in Argentina.

Moccia explained the importance of the event.

"We are working for a sustainable sport, trying to create synergy with all the institutions that are linked to sport in order to have a healthier, less polluted and more productive environment," he said.

"We understand that plastic must be prevented from continuing to proliferate on our coasts and from continuing to generate pollution.

"This was the first activity carried out by the Sports Sustainability Commission that was accompanied by the United Nations Development Programme with whom we signed a Memorandum of Understanding last Friday to work on joint actions with the aim of promoting a sustainable and inclusive sports policy within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."