News Excerpt:
Every year, World Oceans Day is marked on June 8 to raise awareness about the critical importance of preserving the seas and protecting ocean resources from depletion.
Historical Background
- World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- The United Nations General Assembly officially established World Oceans Day on June 8 through Resolution 63/111, adopted on December 5, 2008.
- The day is coordinated by the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, with support from UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
Theme for 2024: Awaken New Depths:
- The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activists to showcase how our relationship with the ocean needs to urgently change since our efforts to date have only skimmed the surface.
- To motivate widespread momentum for the ocean, we need to awaken new depths.
Why World Oceans Day Matters:
- World Oceans Day is an opportunity to educate the public about the ocean and the threats it faces.
- Covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, the ocean is home to a vast array of marine life and is a crucial source of recreation, energy, and food.
- Human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change are putting immense pressure on these marine environments.
- Protecting the ocean is essential to ensure its health and vibrancy for future generations.
