World Oceans Day: History, Theme, and Significance

Image Source: UN.org/Alex Rose/Unsplash

World Oceans Day takes place on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and ways to protect it.

It is a time for humanity to celebrate the ocean. It connects, sustains, and supports us all. World Oceans Day highlights the importance of oceans in our lives and the need to protect them from degradation. Plastic waste found in the oceans recently has raised eyebrows and prompted calls for governments worldwide to be proactive. It is a unique opportunity not only to honor but also to conserve and protect our oceans.

History of World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8th, was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. However, its inception dates back to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, where the concept was first proposed. In its resolution 63/111, the General Assembly of the United Nations officially declared the day on 8 June 2009. The day was established to celebrate the shared ocean and to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in our lives, as well as the need for sustainable management of ocean resources.

Since its recognition, World Oceans Day has served as a platform to highlight the significant impact of oceans on our ecosystem, including their influence on weather patterns, global temperature, and the food supply chain. It also emphasizes the importance of oceans in our daily lives, providing oxygen and serving as a source of inspiration and recreation. The day encourages actions to protect the ocean from threats like pollution, overfishing, and acidification, aiming to inspire more profound respect and conservation efforts for the vast, life-sustaining body of water that covers over 70% of our planet’s surface. Each year, World Oceans Day is marked by various events and activities worldwide, reflecting an ongoing commitment to safeguarding this critical natural resource for future generations.

Theme of World Oceans Day 2024

World Oceans Day 2024 has embraced the theme “Awaken New Depths,” alongside an action theme of “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.”

This theme underscores the urgent need to delve deeper into our understanding and care for the oceans, which are integral to our planet’s climate system. The focus is on inspiring transformative collaboration to foster not only a healthier ocean but also a more equitable and sustainable society. The call to action is clear: accelerate the transition to clean energy, halt fossil fuel extraction, and amplify the voices of community leaders taking local action. By protecting and restoring natural ecosystems and advocating for policies that support these goals, World Oceans Day 2024 aims to create a wave of change and a more abundant future for all.

World Oceans Day takes place on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and ways to protect it. Hereis details of theme which were clebrated in the past:

• 2009: “Our Oceans, Our Responsibilities“
• 2010: “Our Oceans: Opportunities and Challenges”
• 2011: “Our Oceans: greening our future”
• 2012: “UNCLOS @ 30” — United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• 2013: “Oceans & People”
• 2014: “Ocean Sustainability: Together let’s ensure oceans can sustain us into the future”
• 2015: “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet”
• 2016: “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet ⁠— Voyaging to a Sustainable Planet: Arrival of the Hōkūle‘a”
• 2017: “Our Oceans, Our Future”
• 2018: “Clean our Ocean!”
• 2019: “Gender and Oceans”
• 2020: “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”
• 2021: “The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods”
• 2022: “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean”
• 2023: “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”

World Oceans Day: Facts

Here are some important facts about World’s Ocean.

• Only 1 percent of the world’s oceans are protected.
• The Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure in the world, is located in the sea. It has a length of 2,600 kilometers and can be seen from the Moon.
• It is estimated that only 5% of the world’s oceans have been explored, and there is still much more to be discovered.
• 90 percent of all volcanic eruptions occur in the oceans.
• Ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
• Between 50 and 80 percent of all life on Earth is found in the ocean.
• It is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.
• In addition to absorbing significant volumes of CO2, oceans contribute to the mitigation of climate change. However, rising dissolved carbon levels make saltwater more acidic.

Significance of World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8th, is a global event recognized by the United Nations to honor the critical role the ocean plays in our lives and to advocate for the sustainable management of its resources. The day serves as a reminder of the ocean’s importance as a major source of food and medicine, a provider of oxygen and a key element of the biosphere. It’s also a call to action to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the oceans, to unite in a movement to protect them, and to highlight the challenges we face, such as the depletion of fish populations and the destruction of coral reefs.

How to celebrate World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. Here are some ways to celebrate and contribute to the health of our oceans:

Participate in Local Events: Check for events organized by local museums, marine centers, or conservation groups. Activities can range from beach clean-ups to educational workshops.

• Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn about marine life, the importance of oceans, and the challenges they face. Share this knowledge with friends and family.
• Reduce Plastic Use: Commit to reducing your use of single-use plastics, which are a major source of ocean pollution.Support Sustainable Seafood**: Choose seafood that is sustainably sourced to help reduce overfishing and protect ocean biodiversity.Make a Donation: Consider donating to organizations that work towards ocean conservation and research.
• Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for policies that protect the ocean, such as bans on harmful fishing practices and plastic reduction initiatives.
• Appreciate the Ocean: Simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty and vastness of the ocean can be a powerful way to celebrate World Oceans Day.

World Oceans Day observation Dates

World Oceans Day takes place on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and ways to protect it. It was observed first time in 1992 on 8 June and history is continuining after that.

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