World Oceans Day (8 June): History, Theme & Report

 

World Oceans Day (8 June)

“By destroying and polluting the oceans human beings will be digging their own graves, so be wise and nurture the oceans.”

 

Introduction:

 

World Oceans Day is not only a form of respect, but also provides a unique opportunity to conserve and protect our oceans. It is observed every year on 8th June, to raise global awareness about the importance of the ocean in our lives and the ways in which we can protect it. It is an individual's duty to participate in this awareness and contribute to protect and preserve our shared ocean.

Someone rightly said, “Without water, our planet would be one of billions of lifeless rocks floating endlessly in the vastness of the black-and-white void.” The oceans are our planet's lungs, a major source of oxygen, food and medicine for breathing, and a vital part of the biosphere. We know that 3/4th of our entire earth is covered with water; it is our responsibility to protect our ocean and marine life from the threat of global warming. No doubt World Oceans Day is a major step forward in collaboration with the Ocean Project and the World Oceans Network to save the balance of water and lives on the Earth.

History of World Oceans Day:

The Canadian government proposed the concept of World Oceans Day in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. World Oceans Day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to be celebrated annually around the world on 8th June to save oceans and sea water. It is being celebrated internationally in collaboration with The Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network. On June 8, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly for the first time this was observed in Resolution 63/111, paragraph 171 following the official announcement.

 

Facts about Oceans:

 

ü     -- Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface.

 -- The average depth of an ocean is 12,200 feet

-- So far, we've explored less than 5% of the ocean

-- 50% of the world's oxygen is produced from the ocean

-- Corals are a species that can live up to 5,000 years, making them the oldest living animals on Earth

-- Coral reefs are responsible for making homes for 9 million species

-- Nearly a billion people rely on coral reef fish for their primary source of protein

-- Oceans not only contribute to our ecosystem but our economy. They are also playing an important role in the U.S. as the ocean contributes $352 billion to the US economy and also has 3.1 million jobs.

 

Theme of World Oceans Day 2022:

This year's United Nations World Oceans Day, on 8 June 2022, will highlight the theme Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean.

Theme of World Oceans Day 2021:

The theme of World Oceans Day 2021 is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”.

 

8th June is observed as World Oceans Day to understand the role of oceans in our lives and adverse impact of human actions on the oceans. Plastic pollution is causing tremendous harm. 80% of all pollution in the ocean comes from litter from land.  Every year, the mass of plastic debris in the world’s oceans is steadily increasing – often with fatal consequences for countless sea creatures.

 

Report/ School Report:

 

In both urban and rural areas, these items are illegally dumped directly into a water body or wetland, or deposited along riverbanks or lakeshores. If we recycle garbage and if we don't litter, then the oceans will be cleaner.  Children knowingly or unknowingly litter around by throwing food wrappers, bottles, tins in the public places, sea beaches etc.

 

The students of class- 10^th of Spring Field School presented a class assembly on ‘World Ocean Day’ (8 June) based on - ‘Do not Litter’ in the school auditorium. A series of activities presented like a short poem, a speech, a skit in the assembly by the class made other students understand more about litter and its ill effects. The students were made to take a pledge and realize the importance of using paper bags instead of plastic. The students came to know through a power point presentation which all places plastic waste travels, causing damage to land creatures as well as marine life.

All the necessary handouts/ worksheets were distributed to the students in their classrooms related to ‘World Ocean Day (8 June)’. A Poster Designing Competition was organized for the students in primary classes where they had to make posters and drawings on the topic. A Slogan Writing Competition was organized for classes 6^th and 7^th. In each class students were distributed Parents’ Circular to get their pledge and feedback to nurture Nature and to keep our Oceans free from harmful chemicals and plastics.

“Oceans are not mere bodies of water, they are the source of life on Earth, and they are the source of oxygen for us. Time has come to protect them and save them.”

Also Read: World Environment Day (5 June)