The United Nations(UN)’s World Oceans Day is annually observed across the globe on 8th June to focus on the major role of the oceans in everyday life. The day aims to create awareness about the impacts of human activity on the Ocean and to promote sustainable management of the Oceans.
The theme of World Oceans Day 2021 is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”.
Background:
i.The Oceans day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
ii.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/63/111 on 5th December 2008 and proclaimed the 8th of June as World Oceans Day.
iii.The First UN World Oceans Day was observed on 8th June 2009.
Note:
- The UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/72/73 on 5th December 2017 and proposed to designate the period 2021 to 2030 as the UN decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
- The launch of the decade aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 14: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources” by 2030.
Events:
The 2nd fully virtual celebration of World Oceans day 2021 is produced by the Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, in partnership with non-profit organization Oceanic Global, and presenting partner Blancpain, supported by La Mer.
Importance of Oceans:
i.Around 70% of Earth is covered by the Oceans which is the life source that supports the sustenance of humanity and other organisms.
ii.The Oceans produce around 50% of the earth’s oxygen and houses most of the biodiversity of the Earth.
iii.Earth is the main source of protein that benefits billions of people across the globe.
iv.It is estimated that around 40 million people across the globe will be employed in ocean-based industries by 2030.
