World Oceans Day: June 8, 2015

World Oceans Day has been celebrated annually on June 8 since 1992. The annual World Oceans Day aims to raise global awareness of the challenges faced across the world in preserving aspects of ocean life, particularly as oceans are a major source of food. Challenges involve using marine science to understand and protect oceans in order to better manage their ecosystems and biodiversity for present and future generations.

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO's IOC) sponsors World Oceans Day to carry on the work of the UN General Assembly for the sustainable development and management of marine resources and use, including the goals documented in the United Nations Millennium Declaration of December 5, 2008.

In 2015 the theme for World Oceans Day is 'a healthy ocean, a protected climate' with the main event in preparation for the Paris Climate Conference on June 8. The conference brings together scientists, political decision-makers, civil society, and youth to elaborate ocean-sensitive actions and strategies to mitigate socioeconomic impacts on ocean life.

http://en.unesco.org/ocean_day

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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