The Importance Of World Oceans Day On June 8
The United Nations World Oceans Day on June 8th is an important occasion that highlights the significance of oceans in sustaining life on earth. The world’s oceans cover over 70% of the planet’s surface and are home to a vast array of marine species. They also play a crucial role in regulating the earth’s climate, weather patterns, and carbon cycle. World Oceans Day raises awareness about the threats facing our oceans, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
The theme for the UN World Oceans Day 2023 is ‘Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing’.
The aim of the day is to serve as a reminder that we are all interconnected with the ocean and have a responsibility to ensure its health for future generations. By celebrating World Oceans Day, we can inspire people around the world to make positive changes in their daily lives that contribute to ocean conservation efforts.
United Nations’ Efforts To Promote Ocean Conservation
Apart from the annual World Oceans Day, the UN has also launched various campaigns and programs that aim to reduce marine pollution, conserve marine biodiversity, and combat illegal fishing practices. The Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Additionally, the UN has established a framework for ocean governance through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides a legal framework for managing ocean resources.
Celebrating Marine Biodiversity On World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day is an opportunity to highlight the incredible biodiversity that exists within our oceans. The ocean is home to millions of species, from tiny plankton to massive whales, each playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.
Marine biodiversity not only provides us with food and resources but also contributes to climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and oxygen production. Unfortunately, human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change are threatening marine biodiversity worldwide.
On World Oceans Day, there are a number of activations to encourage people to support ocean conservation and learn about our impact on the planet:
- Register to follow the World Oceans Day online virtual event on June 8, hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) in partnership with Oceanic Global and supported by Panerai, with contribution by Discover Earth and OceanX: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-event-united-nations-world-oceans-day-2023-live-broadcast-tickets-590226532447
- Discovery+ has announced a special lineup of documentaries for World Oceans Day including Blue Planet and Blue Planet II: https://mediabrief.com/discovery-announces-special-lineup-for-world-oceans-day-2023/
- The annual UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition has six categories: No Time To Waste, Putting the Ocean First, The Wonderful World of Tides, Ocean is Life, Big and Small Underwater Faces, and Underwater Seascapes. Explore more here: https://unworldoceansday.org/photo-competition/
- Kids can get involved with educational resources and activities based around ocean education. Discover online resources here: https://worldoceanday.org/resource-type/materials-for-kids/ and https://worldoceanday.school
Taking Action For A Sustainable Future Of Our Oceans
Taking action for a sustainable future of our oceans is crucial to preserving the health and biodiversity of these vital ecosystems. An important action is creating marine protected areas, which can help preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, reducing carbon emissions can help prevent ocean acidification and coral bleaching, which harms marine organisms.
Yachting companies can raise awareness of the importance of oceans and encourage individuals, organisations, and governments to take concrete steps towards protecting them. This can be achieved through initiatives such as beach clean-ups, banning or reducing use of single-use plastics or promoting recycling programs at marinas such as the campaign by The Clean Superyacht Marina.
Overall, taking action for a sustainable future of our oceans requires global cooperation and individual responsibility to ensure that these precious resources are preserved for generations to come.
Visit the official website for more info: https://unworldoceansday.org/un-world-oceans-day-2023/
