Dec 28, 2015 | News

World Ocean Day - June 8th

1. Context
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

To celebrate this day a lot of events and activities coordinated with aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organizations, universities, schools, and businesses are developed. Each year an increasing number of countries and organizations have been marking June 8th as an opportunity to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.

2. Why do We Need Oceans
Because de the world's ocean:

  • Generates most of the oxygen we breathe;
  • Provide foods;
  • Regulates our climate;
  • Supply you with clean water; and

Provides limitless inspiration and recreation.

The oceans provide the earth most of its weather patterns, moisture and oxygen. Without healthy oceans, life would end. Indeed, covering more than 70% of Earth's surface, oceans contribute to climate regulation giving rise to most of the rainfall, regulate the patterns of winds and temperatures and are responsible for providing many services. Among such are the production of oxygen, food supply by fishing, coastal protection and the provision of non-food resources and recreation opportunities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boating.

3. How to Help Protect Our Ocean For The Future
It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations. World Oceans Day allows us to:

  • Change perspective - encourage individuals to think about what the ocean means to them and what it has to offer all of us with hopes of conserving it for present and the future generations.
  • Learn - discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected.
  • Change our ways - we are all connected to the ocean! By taking care of your backyard, you are acting as a caretaker of our ocean. Making small modifications to your everyday habits will greatly benefit our blue planet.

Celebrate - whether you live inland or on the coast we are all connected to the ocean; take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean, and then organize or participate in activities that celebrate our world ocean.

4. The Day’s challenges and key objectives

  • Inform the general public of the dangers facing the ocean and of the impact of human activities,
  • Create a world-wide citizen’s movement,
  • Raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in all our daily lives,
  • Mobilise people around sustainable ocean stewardship projects,
  • Encourage everyone to take action to preserve the ocean and its riches.


5. On this Day of the Oceans, Let Us:

  • Change the way we look at oceans -what the sea means to us, and what it can give.
  • Use the opportunity to learn more about the oceans - many of us do not realize the profusion of diverse and beautiful creatures and habitats that are found in oceans, and how our actions affect them.
  • Do something positive for the oceans - by finding ways we can alter our daily lives to conserve the oceans and reduce the impacts on its fragile ecosystems.


The existence of seas and oceans safe, healthy and productive is essential for human well-being, economic security and sustainable development.

We are all connected to the ocean! By taking care of your backyard, you are acting as a caretaker of our ocean. Making small modifications to your everyday habits will greatly benefit our blue planet. Together, we can make a difference!

Sources: www.theoceanproject.org/ - www.gdrc.org/oceans/oceans-day.html - http://oceans.greenpeace.org.pt - www.ghgonline.org/co2sinkocean.htm