World Oceans Day | 8 June 2023

Planet Ocean: Embracing Change on World Oceans Day 2023 The vast expanse of the ocean encompasses more than 70% of our planet's surface. It is a life-sustaining force, providing nourishment and sustenance to all living beings on Earth. A crucial fact to acknowledge is that the ocean generates at least 50% of the world's oxygen, serves as a haven for the majority of Earth's biodiversity, and supplies protein to over a billion individuals worldwide. Additionally, the ocean plays a pivotal role in our economy, employing an estimated 40 million people in ocean-related industries by 2030. Despite its countless benefits, the ocean is now in dire need of our support. With 90% of large fish populations depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are exceeding the ocean's capacity for replenishment. It is imperative that we collaborate to establish a new equilibrium with the ocean – one that ceases the depletion of its resources and instead revives its vibrancy, breathing new life into its waters. “Planet Ocean: tides are changing" serves as the theme for World Oceans Day 2023. The United Nations, this year, is uniting to prioritize the ocean, in partnership with scientists, celebrities, decision-makers, indigenous leaders, youth activists, civil society representatives, and executives from the private sector. Oceans are the lungs of our planet, an integral component of the biosphere, and a vital source of sustenance and medicine. Hence, World Oceans Day serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role the oceans play in our daily lives. This day aims to mobilize and unite the global population to embark on a project for the sustainable management of our world's oceans by raising public awareness regarding the impact of human activities on the ocean and cultivating a global movement of ocean-minded citizens. This year's event will be commemorated in a hybrid manner at the UN headquarters in New York. It acts as a crucial reminder to recognize and value the importance of the oceans to our way of life, from supplying food to controlling biodiversity and temperature. Humans have been ruthlessly using the waters for years. Examples of such exploitation include pollution, the destruction of aquatic habitats, overfishing, and ocean acidification. As a call to action, World Oceans Day implores us to lessen careless exploitation and put sustainable measures in place to save our oceans. Effective approaches towards protecting these priceless natural resources— include minimizing the use of plastic, implementing legislation that favours sustainable seafood choices, and building strong environmental policies. Join us in commemorating the importance of our oceans.