World Oceans Day observed by United Nations and World Ocean Network

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Dr. Lalit kishore

09 June, 2011

World Ocean Day (WOD) was observed globally by UN agencies and World Ocean Network on June 8. On the occasion of WOD, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all governments and people to protect oceans for future generations.

WORLD OCEANS Day (WOD) is celebrated every June 8 throughout the world. Internally, the WOD observance was coordinated by The Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network with the theme "Youth: the Next Wave for Change". World Ocean Network is connected to over 1,200 organizations and groups throughout the world.

It's well known now that the pollution of oceans and over-consumption of fish has endangered many aquatic species.

In a statement issued on the occasion of WOD, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all governments and people to protect oceans for future generations since they faced major threats in the years ahead.

To mark the day, Ban said, “All activities and policies related to oceans and the marine environment need to acknowledge and incorporate the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic. Only then can we achieve the development objectives set by the international community."

He urged the international communities, governments and civil society organizations to embrace individual and collective responsibility to protect the marine environment and manage its resources in a sustainable manner for present and future generations.

Also, on the occasion of WOD, Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said, “Knowledge of oceans has long been driven by the need to access and exploit their resources.

This must change. The challenge from Wednesday onwards is to use marine science to understand and protect oceans, in order to better manage their ecosystems and biodiversity for present and future generations.”

“The future role of marine and coastal ecosystems in human well-being depends increasingly on developing the capacity of countries to manage human uses and impacts in order to ensure that ecosystem health and self-repairing capacity is not undermined,” said UN Environmental Education Executive Director Achim Steiner on the occasion of WOD.