Three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. They are what make the planet habitable. The oceans are a habitat for many living organisms, a source of oxygen, resources and space for human movement.
However, technological progress has had a negative impact on the ecology of the planet, as a result of which there is an irrational use of ocean resources, and the World Ocean is oversaturated with human waste. To draw the attention of mankind to this problem, to recall the strong connection of mankind with the underwater world, a special holiday was established – World Oceans Day. How it will be celebrated in 2023 in Our Country and other countries – read the KP material.
When is World Oceans Day 2023?
World Oceans Day is celebrated annually 8 June. In 2023, educational events will be held in dozens of countries in honor of this event.
history of the holiday
For the first time, the idea of introducing a holiday was voiced by representatives of the Ocean Institute of Canada and the Canadian International Ocean Center at the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The reason for the attention of scientists was the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. The report dealt with research conducted since 1987, as a result of which conclusions were drawn that the World Ocean is subject to active pollution, and people are not sufficiently aware of the problem.
Unofficially, the holiday began to be celebrated since 1993. Its purpose was to emphasize the inextricable connection with the ocean of all mankind and raise awareness of the importance of protecting it from pollution.
For many years, non-governmental organizations such as the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands, the Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network have collaborated with government and non-government institutions – nature reserves, aquariums, zoos, museums – on Oceans Day.
June 8, 1998 World Oceans Day was recognized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
On December 5, 2008, at a meeting of the UN General Assembly, a resolution was approved in which June 8 was officially recognized as World Oceans Day. The resolution called on the states to mutually cooperate on the issues of safety of navigation, navigation and prevention of pollution of ocean waters.
On December 5, 2017, the UN General Assembly declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development. This decade is designed to bring together the scientific community, policymakers, business and civil society to jointly explore the ocean and develop technological innovation.
Holiday traditions
On June 8, the UN celebrates World Oceans Day as part of an annual event organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. The event provides an opportunity to recall the significant role of the ocean and build a plan for interaction with it.
Every year, events that are held as part of World Oceans Day are dedicated to a specific theme. As part of the UN event, scientists, business representatives and cross-sectoral experts will talk about why the ocean is considered the source of all life on Earth, the current quality of ocean waters and how to protect the ocean from the harmful effects of humanity.
Also, within the framework of the World Oceans Day, the UN organizes the annual international photo contest “Oceans”.
On June 8, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission holds various events: exhibitions, forums, round tables, thematic lectures and conferences.
In Our Country, as in many countries, on the Day of the Oceans, festive events are held in zoos and aquariums, exhibitions and festivals dedicated to the marine theme are organized.
Coastal states pay special attention to Oceans Day. For example, in the Maldives, on Oceans Day, each hotel organizes actions to clean the coast from debris or clean the bottom with a dive. The goal of the organizers of actions and events is to convey to mankind information about the important role of the ocean in the formation of all life on Earth and the consequences of careless handling of the World Ocean.