The United Nations celebrates June 8th as ‘World Oceans Day’ with an aim to raise global awareness about the benefits of the ocean to mankind and our individual and collective responsibility to use its resources sustainably.
Oceans Day was first declared as 8 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). But it was in 2008 the UN General Assembly decided that, as of 2009, 8 June would be designated by the UN as ‘World Oceans Day’.
“The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2021, as well as a declaration of intentions that launches a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources”, by 2030.
Did you know:
- The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
- It is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.
- It is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
- With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed
- Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.
To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance, rooted in a true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past.
Source: UN.org