The World Oceans Day is a celebration organized every year by the United Nations on June 8. Not only do oceans connect us globally, but they house vast resources which support people, communities and countries; providing life and livelihoods.
We are very reliant on the ocean and the World Oceans Day provides an opportunity to honor, help protect, and conserve the ocean, which is crucial for the 79 Members of the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States, almost half of which (37 States) are Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).
SIDS are particularly vulnerable to climate change, climate variability, and sea-level rise and are particularly concerned about marine and coastal management. Threats to the marine environment, such as overfishing, pollution (there are currently 5 trillion pieces of plastic waste in the world’s oceans), and climate change, have dire consequences on the livelihood of SIDS.
The purpose of the World Ocean Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilise and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
2020: Year of Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean
As the challenges to the ocean continue to grow, so does the need for novel solutions and the people driving them. To that end, the theme of UN World Oceans Day 2020 is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”.
The UN World Oceans Day celebration this year which, will take place as a virtual event produced in partnership with Oceanic Global, will shed light on innovations from around the globe.
Special focus will be placed on initiatives that instill optimism, and have demonstrated the ability to scale effectively. It will also provide a platform to leaders of varied backgrounds, who are paving new paths forward for the health of our ocean and our planet.
The programming of the day and subsequent events taking place throughout World Ocean Week (week of 8 June 2020) will explore innovations across categories including technology, systems infrastructure, resource management, consumer products, finance, and scientific exploration.
This year’s theme is especially relevant in the lead-up to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which will run from 2021 to 2030. The Decade will strengthen international cooperation to develop scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society.
For more information on the International Day, please visit the UN World Oceans Day website
