'Together we have the power to protect the ocean' is this year’s World Oceans Day theme.
A guest post from Alyssa Isakower, World Ocean's Day Coordinator.
World Oceans Day is the United Nations-recognized day of celebration and action for the ocean, held every year on June 8 th . World Oceans Day provides a unique opportunity to recognize the ocean and humanity’s dependence on a healthy ocean for our survival. It also provides a chance for people to do something to keep the ocean healthy and safe.
This event has been growing rapidly, especially since late 2008 when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution officially recognizing World Oceans Day as June 8 each yea r. The Ocean Project has helped promote and coordinate World Oceans Day worldwide for the last 12 years, working with partners in dozens of countries. In 2002, only a handful of countries and organizations were celebrating this event. Last year there were over 600 events held in 70 different countries. With a special focus on measurable action for renewable energy, cleaner coasts, and sustainable seafood, we are collaborating with partners around the world to make World Oceans Day 2014 even bigger and better for ocean conservation impact!
For Australian residents, one of the most pressing ocean related issues is the damage being done to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure on the planet. So, what can you do to help protect the ocean this year? Below, we have some actions that you as an individual can incorporate into your daily life and help reduce your impact on the ocean. Also, if you’re interested in getting others engaged as well, you can do that by celebrating World Oceans Day, we’ve also included some suggestions below on how to get involved further.
Ways to take action as an individual:
- 1. Take a selfie for the sea
- 2. Help reduce marine debris by eliminating junk mail
- 3. Purchase a renewable energy credit to help combat ocean acidification
- 4. Support and spread the word about sustainable seafood
- 5. Pass this information to your family, friends, and colleagues
A few ways you can celebrate World Oceans Day:
- 1. Hold a World Oceans Day event . Your celebration can be big or small, as long as you’re doing something for your local aquatic environment! You can hold an aquatic cleanup , connect with youth , or download an Action Guide . Be sure to register your celebration on the website!
- 2. Take a selfie for the sea . Whether you’re out cleaning up a river, or making a promise to only eat sustainable seafood, we want to share how you’re helping the ocean! Take a photo of yourself doing something in your community or making a promise, and post it on social media with the hashtag #WorldOceansDay. Learn more at http://WorldOceansDay.org/promise
- 3. Compete in the First Annual World Oceans Day Photo Contest . Submit your best ocean photo and you could win! Winners will have their photos displayed at the United Nations in New York City. More: http://worldoceansday.org/photocontest
You can keep in touch with World Oceans Day on Facebook and Twitter , or send the coordinator an email .
We are urging the World Heritage Committee to protect the Great Barrier Reef by officially declaring it ‘World Heritage in Danger’. We are taking this message to the 3 key international decision-makers who ail influence the fate of the Reef. This is the most powerful action we can take to ensure its protection.
Please add your name to support this action.
