World Oceans Day - June 8
first declared as 8 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and development (UNCED) which provided an opportunity for non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society to express their views on environmental issues.
The Declaration was inspired by an event organized on that day by the Oceans Institute of Canada and supported by the Canadian Government: "OCEANS DAY AT GLOBAL FORUM:: THE BLUE PLANET".
The programme featured international experts, opinion leaders and those in a position to speak for the oceans' contributions to sustaining the Blue Planet.
UN WOD 2024 THEME: AWAKEN NEW DEPTHS:
The ocean sustains humanity and all life on earth.
Nonetheless, despite our utter reliance on it, we have only ever explored ~10%.
While we know little of the ocean compared to its immense vastness, what we do know is that the consequences of our actions are evident throughout its waters.
The knowledge on the ocean's dire state is clear.
Still, each year humanity continues to make shallow and short-sighted decisions that further the likelihood of the ocean's, as well as our own, demise.
We don't have time for "OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND."
Our relationship to the ocean needs to urgently change, and our efforts have only skimmed the surface to date.
To motivate widespread momentum for the ocean, we need to awaken new depths.
WORLD OCEAN DAY THEME 2024: "Waves of Change: Collective Actions for the Ocean'".
This theme emphasises the importance of working together to find solutions to ocean challenges.
Everyone has a role to play in bringing positive change to our oceans: individuals, Communities, governments and businesses and no single action is too small.
World Oceans Day has aimed to focus attention on the scourge of plastic pollution in our Oceans:
Free resources were available to download to help illustrate the many problems surrounding plastic pollution, plus ideas and tips on how to raise awareness of the subject at your events.
From film screenings to art, beach cleans to festivals, events across the world were held to mark the day.
Therefore, when we work together, we can create a wave of change for a healthier ocean.
FOR 2024, WE ARE LAUNCHING A NEW MULTI-YEAR ACTION THEME: CATALYZING ACTION FOR OUR OCEAN& CLIMATE:
By growing the movement through transformative collaboration, we aim to create not only a healthy blue planet, but also a more just, equitable and sustainable society.
Together, we can persuade national legislators and corporate leaders to follow through on their promises and all the big talk about doing the right thing, specifically
make the best use of all existing climate solutions;
Accelerate a just transition to clean and renewable energy;
Stop fossil fuel extraction, including oil, gas and coal;
Rapidly and equitably phase out its existing production including for single use plastics;
Collaborate with and amplify the voices of local leaders who are working to implement action within their communities;
Protect and restore natural coastal and ocean ecosystems (and on land) by creating strongly protected areas covering at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030;
Keep on creating more solutions at the local, national and international levels that are based on the best science
By collaborating in transformative ways, we can create a healthier and more abundant future for all.
It's ambitious, but the World Ocean Day network collaborating with a wide range of partners in the growing global movement has collectively achieved some major victories over the years.
