World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day falls on June 8 every year. We celebrate World Oceans Day because of its importance in our lives and how we can protect the ocean. World Ocean Day raises the profile of the ocean, connects people worldwide and inspires continuing actions throughout the year to protect and restore the oceans in the world. The United Nations General Assembly on December 5, 2008 designated June 8 as World Oceans Day. The concept of a ‘World Oceans Day’ was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The day is to raise awareness about the role of the United Nations and international law in the sustainable development and use of oceans and their living and non-living resources. The World Oceans Day is coordinated by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. World Oceans Day also serves the purpose of reminding everyone that oceans are the lungs of our planet and they provide most of the oxygen that we breathe. Oceans are also a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere. The day is also to remind everyone that human actions have impacted the oceans and the world’s population needs to mobilise and unite to sustainably manage the world’s oceans.