World Oceans Day – June 08, 2021

Do you know, 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by Oceans? Or that Ocean’s produce more than 50% of the planet’s oxygen with marine plants, algae and whales playing the important role in creating the oxygen as well as capturing more than 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by humans. Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

“World Oceans Day”, a United Nations initiative, is celebrated on 8 June every year as a reminder of how integral our seas are to life on Earth. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.

The theme for this year is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”, along with the 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.

This year’s theme is especially relevant in the lead-up to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which will run from 2021 to 2030. The Decade will strengthen international cooperation to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance, rooted in true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it.

Find out more at:

• World Ocean Day 2021 website: https://unworldoceansday.org/
• UN Oceans Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day
• UN Decade of Ocean Science: https://www.oceandecade.org/
• UN Sustainable Development Goal – Oceans: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/