UN marked first observance of World Oceans Day

Tuesday, 09 June 2009 06:17

The United Nations yesterday 8 June observed World Oceans Day for the first time, with the theme “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility”.  World Oceans Day has been celebrated by many countries since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Last year, however, the General Assembly by Resolution 63/111 made the day an officially recognized UN observance, creating an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges facing the international community in serving oceans, their habitats and the millions who depend on them for a living.

Oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and “generate most of the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients, regulate climate, and are important economically for countries that rely on tourism for income,” said a press release issued by the Department of Public Information to mark the day.

Unfortunately the vitality of the world’s oceans is under threat due to human activity and climate change. “Human activities are taking a terrible toll on the world’s oceans and seas,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a message for the day.

“Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from land-based sources,” stated the Secretary-General, Who also talked about how increased sea temperatures, rise in sea-levels and ocean acidification caused by climate change “pose a further threat to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies.”

The theme of World Oceans Day, he stated, “emphasizes our individual and collective duty to protect the marine environment and carefully manage its resources.”