World Oceans Day is coming soon! This international day occurs on 8 June annually, reminding us to celebrate our beautiful oceans and marine life. On top of that, there are also many things we can do on this day and beyond to show that we care for the big blue oceans. Here’s a closer look at World Oceans Day as well as the ways to be involved!
What is World Oceans Day?
Oceans Day first came along on 8 June 1992 at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
The declaration of Oceans Day was inspired by an event organised by the Oceans Institute of Canada, which had experts speaking about the oceans’ contributions to sustaining the planet. Some years later, in 2008, the United Nations (UN) designated 8 June as World Oceans Day!
This special day serves to raise awareness of human actions’ impact on the ocean as well as unite the world on a project for the sustainable management of the oceans.
This year’s theme is “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean”, which aims to shed light on communities, ideas, and solutions that protect and revitalise the ocean and marine life.
It’s also the very first hybrid celebration for World Oceans Day, as there will be in-person programmes held at the UN’s headquarters, along with online events for everyone worldwide!
What can you do on World Oceans Day?
UN World Ocean Day 2021
The easiest way to participate anytime, anywhere, is to actively learn more about the oceans and marine life. You can dive into the stories and videos on the World Oceans Day website, or just curl up with a book or movie that talks about marine sustainability. Not sure where to start? We’ve got lists of good reads or family-friendly shows that you can start with!
On 8 June, there will be a series of talks broadcasted, where you can be inspired by experts, thought leaders and community voices as they speak about the collaborative changes that can be taken across the globe.
There’ll be a concert for music lovers too! Stay tuned to their website for updates on the lineup.
For those who are itching to get moving, don’t fret as you can take part in activities IRL as well – just take a look at the World Oceans Day calendar to see what’s on. For example, the People of the Sea Global Clean Up allows everyone around the world to participate by cleaning up the areas around them. Don’t forget to jio your friends and fam, and tag the organisers on social media when you’re doing so! If you want to organise your own event, you can also do so by registering online.
2018 Finalist for World Oceans Day Photo Competition
Photography enthusiasts can also keep a lookout for the photo gallery, which comprises submissions for the the annual World Oceans Day Photo Competition. The judges this year include well-known photographers such as Ellen Cuylaerts. Those interested in showcasing their talents can take part in next year’s competition – remember to submit your shots in March!
TSSP and World Ocean Day
Here at TSSP, we celebrate World Oceans Day too! We’re big believers of keeping our oceans healthy and full of life. To ensure that marine life stays robust, we source our seafood sustainably. Our wild-caught seafood are responsibly caught by ethical fisheries, and the farmed options are sourced from sustainability-driven farms. We believe everyone can do their part for the ocean! Take a look at our story.
Cover Image:
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Fish, Coral Images:
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Unsplash
Clean up Image:
Photo by OCG Saving The Ocean on Unsplash
UN Conference Image:
Photo by António Guterres on United Nations
Diver and Shark Image:
Photo by Hoarau Galice on United Nations
