June 8 of every year is the World Oceans Day.  It is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future.

2017 Theme: “Our oceans, our future”

The oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and are the very foundations of life. They generate most of the oxygen we breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate climate. They are important economically for countries that rely on tourism, fishing and other marine resources for income and serve as the backbone of international trade.

Unfortunately, human pressures, including over-exploitation, 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.

Peace and security are also critical to the full enjoyment of the benefits that can be derived from the oceans and for their sustainable development. As has been remarked by the Secretary-General: “There will be no development without security and no security without development.”

This year’s theme for the Day is “Our oceans, our future” and is connected to the Ocean Conference taking place from 5 to 9 June at United Nations headquarters in New York.

Why celebrate World Oceans Day?

• To remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.
• To inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean.
• To develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean.
• To mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans. They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
• To celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.

As in previous years since 2014, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is recognizing on 8 June the winners of the Annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition in an event at United Nations Headquarters.

Get committed to helping the ocean today by filling out this form: http://ouroceansourfuture.org/p/index.html

Cleanups help establish stronger connections in your community and nearby natural water sources. To participate in the clean up excercise to keep our Oceans clean, please follow this guide:  http://www.worldoceansday.org/_literature_196752/Aquatic_Cleanup_Guide

When we keep our community clean, then we can be sure of living healthy lives. Yes, we are winning!

Let’s celebrate our Ocean, it is God’s gift to us. https://youtu.be/2p3nNOWMy9A

https://backup.yeswearewinning.com/2017/03/11/climate-of-the-times/

Reference: http://www.un.org/en/events/oceansday/