World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day, celebrated on June 8th, aims to raise global awareness about the importance of oceans and promote actions for their protection.

The idea of celebrating this day originated during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. However, it was not officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly until 2008, encouraging member countries to participate in its observance.

World Oceans Day is a time when numerous initiatives and events are organized around the world. From scientific conferences and beach cleaning campaigns to festivals and educational exhibitions, there is something for everyone. Many of these initiatives focus on educating the community about protecting these vast water bodies. Many scientists and experts meet at conferences and symposiums to discuss the latest research on the oceans. In 2023, the main theme was climate change and its impact on the oceans, highlighting the need for increased efforts to protect the marine environment. Non-governmental organizations, volunteers, and local communities organize massive beach cleaning events. On this day, thousands of people worldwide collect trash from the coastlines, aiming to reduce ocean pollution by plastics and other waste. In coastal cities, maritime festivals are often held. These include documentary film screenings, photographic exhibitions, and educational workshops for children and adults. The purpose of these events is to highlight the beauty and importance of the oceans and inspire participants to protect them.

Fundraising for ocean protection, including coral reefs, through coral adaptation projects has become a very common way to engage local and international communities in ecological actions. For instance, Coralpalooza, organized annually by the Coral Restoration Foundation, involved over 960 employees and volunteers from 13 countries this year, who restored over 15,000 corals to their natural habitats in a single day. Another example is the One Million Corals for Colombia project, which aims to grow one million coral fragments in Colombia as part of coral reef restoration efforts. Similar initiatives are taking place in Abu Dhabi and many other locations, where coral reef restoration projects have been launched.

Oceans play a crucial role in the Earth’s ecosystem. They produce most of the oxygen we breathe, regulate the climate, and are a source of food and income for millions of people worldwide. Yet, they face numerous threats, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate changes. Plastic is one of the biggest threats to the health of the oceans. Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans, posing a threat to marine life. Organizations like Ocean Conservancy and Plastic Pollution Coalition are intensifying their efforts to educate the public and promote the reduction of plastic use. Excessive fishing leads to a drastic decline in the population of many marine species. International organizations such as FAO and Greenpeace are working to promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure the survival of these species and maintain healthy marine ecosystems. Warming oceans and the acidification of seawater have serious consequences for coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Initiatives like the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network monitor the state of coral reefs and promote actions to protect them.

World Oceans Day is not just an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and richness of the oceans but also a time to reflect on their status and the need for protection. Through numerous educational initiatives, social actions, and global campaigns, everyone can contribute to the protection.