Every year on the 8th of June, the world celebrates World Oceans Day, a global day dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role oceans play in supporting life on Earth. The day is recognized by the United Nations and aims to raise awareness of the importance of oceans and encourage people around the world to take action to protect our marine environment.
By raising awareness of the global importance of our oceans we hope to encourage people, communities and governments around the world to work together to create a more sustainable future.
Theme of World Oceans Day 2023:
Each year, World Oceans Day takes on a different theme. This year’s theme for World Oceans Day 2023 is: “Planet Ocean: The Tides are Changing.”
Significance of World Oceans Day 2023
It’s a day where people gather to learn about sustainable solutions to protect the ocean’s resources. The world’s oceans are being depleted and the world’s coral reefs are being washed away. The oceans are at risk – this will directly affect human life. That’s why we need to know how to manage resources sustainably and how to set sustainable objectives to protect the ocean.
History of World Oceans Day 2023:
Every year on June 8th, the world celebrates World Oceans Day to bring attention to how important the ocean is to the planet and to humanity. It was first proposed in 1992 by the Canadian ICOD (International Centre for Ocean Development) and OIC (Ocean Institute of Canada) at UNCED’s Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The Ocean Project began global coordination of World Oceans Day in 2002 and it was officially recognized by the UN in 2008. It’s a day to promote the implementation of global SDGs and to encourage public interest in protecting the ocean and managing its resources in a sustainable way.
Key Events in History of World Oceans Day:
- 1992: The concept of World Oceans Day is proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
- 2002: The Ocean Project starts global coordination of World Oceans Day.
- 2004: The Ocean Project and World Ocean Network launch a petition to the United Nations to officially recognize World Oceans Day.
- 2008: The United Nations General Assembly officially recognizes World Oceans Day.
- 2015: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are adopted by the United Nations, including SDG 14, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources.
- 2022: World Oceans Day is celebrated for the 30th time.