The United Nations is urging the international community to reflect on the multiple benefits of oceans and commit to keeping them healthy and productive for current and future generations.
“We have to ensure that oceans continue to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations,” stressed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a message marking the World Oceans Day, adding that “their depths hold current and future solutions to humanity’s energy needs.”
Oceans regulate the planet’s climate while providing a significant source of nutrition and essential passage for global trade, the UN said in a press release.
World Oceans Day is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of the oceans for life on earth and to stand up for their protection.
Oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide emissions, and are important economically for countries that rely on tourism, fishing and other marine resources for income, and serve as the backbone of international trade, it said.
“Unfortunately, human pressures, including overexploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing, as well as unsustainable aquaculture practices, marine pollution, habitat destruction, alien species, climate change and ocean acidification are taking a significant toll on the world’s oceans and seas.”
In her message, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, Director-General emphasised that “at a time of rising threats, ‘business as usual’ is no longer acceptable and “we must change how we understand, manage and use ocean resources and coastal areas. For this, we need to know more about the ocean and draw on stronger science to craft sustainable, ecosystem-based policies for the ocean and coasts.”
The UN General Assembly has recognised oceans and seas as an important part of sustainable development “as envisioned by the Millennium Declaration and it landmark anti-poverty Goals (MDGs).”
Looking now to craft a successor post-2015 sustainable development agenda, Member States have identified protecting oceans as one of the keys to creating a better, cleaner future for the planet.
“Billions of humans, plants and animals depend on our oceans each and every day,” General Assembly President John W Ashe said in his message.
“I call on Member States and other stakeholders to continue to take action to protect our oceans by reducing pollution, and protecting marine life for present and future generations.” he added.
Since 2009, the UN family has come together each year, urging communities to ensure that our oceans remain clean and healthy. This year’s theme “Together we have the power to protect the ocean” underscores the power of collaboration.
This year, the observance coincides with the 20th anniversary of the entry-into-force of the landmark UN Convention on the Law of the Sea “known as “Constitution for the Oceans” that provides a comprehensive legal regime for all ocean activities. It is also the International Year of Small Island Developing States.
The ocean is essential to our well-being and the future of our planet. World Oceans Day is an occasion for all Governments and societies to join forces in ensuring its protection.
“One planet, one ocean” together, we have the power to protect them both, said Bokova.
