Each year, on June 8th, people across the world unite to observe World Ocean Day, a day set aside to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and the pressing need to protect them.

Our planet faces numerous environmental challenges, and it is crucial to recognize the essential role healthy oceans play in supporting life on Earth.

Without them, life as we know it would not be sustainable!

The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro as part of a United Nations (UN) initiative. The day is designed to celebrate the world’s shared oceans and our personal connection to the sea. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role oceans play in our lives and the urgent need to protect them. The day also aims to raise awareness about how we can take action to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

World Oceans Day emphasizes that the health of our oceans is directly tied to our own well-being. It calls on individuals, communities, and governments to take meaningful steps to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations. The responsibility to maintain the vibrancy and health of our oceans rests with all of us.

Our oceans provide and regulate many essential elements for life on Earth, including rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, and food. They even supply the oxygen we breathe.

However, plastic pollution remains one of the most significant threats to marine life. Every year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean, breaking down into microplastics that harm marine ecosystems and pose risks to human health. To protect our oceans, immediate action is needed to reduce plastic use and tackle the alarming rates at which marine mammals and fish are ingesting plastic.

Taking Action

Protecting our oceans requires collective effort. Here are several steps we can all take to make a positive impact:

Reduce Plastic Consumption: Plastic waste is a major contributor to ocean pollution. By choosing reusable bags, bottles, and packaging, we can significantly reduce plastic waste.

Support Responsible Fishing: Choose sustainably sourced seafood and avoid consuming endangered species. Look for seafood products certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure responsible fishing practices.

Promote Ocean Conservation: Get involved in local conservation efforts, such as beach clean-ups and educational programs that raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans. Spread the word about World Oceans Day to inspire others to take action.

Support Marine Reserves: Advocate for the establishment and protection of marine reserves and protected areas. These areas help safeguard marine ecosystems, providing a safe space for marine life to recover and thrive.

Reduce Carbon Footprint: Address the root causes of climate change, such as rising sea levels and ocean temperatures, by reducing carbon emissions. Support renewable energy, conserve energy, and adopt sustainable transportation methods.

World Oceans Day highlights the urgent need for ocean preservation while offering individuals and businesses the opportunity to contribute to its protection. By recognizing the impact of our consumer habits on marine life, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Working together, we can support local communities and promote eco-friendly solutions that benefit our planet.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the oceans' immense value and the critical need to safeguard them. Through collective action, we can help protect the waterways that sustain life on Earth.

Let us come together to celebrate World Oceans Day by committing ourselves to the health of our oceans. By embracing sustainable practices, we can ensure a brighter, healthier future for generations to come. Every small, positive action matters when it comes to protecting our planet’s most vital and awe-inspiring resource!

Women scientists for the preservation of our marine heritage (World Oceans Day 2019)

The video by UNESCO