Today the world celebrates World Oceans Day, a day of ocean celebration and collaboration for the future. This years’ overall theme 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. The conservation focus for this year is encouraging solutions to plastic pollution and preventing marine litter for a healthier ocean and a better future.
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.
How can I get involved?
To celebrate all things marine, The United Nations Association of Australia Western Australia (UNAAWA) has organised a land/water beach clean-up and BBQ in conjunction with World Oceans Day. The free event will be held at South Beach, North Coogee on June 11,2017 at 0900 -1200hrs. Head down to South beach and join in the celebration. For more information on the event, go to http://www.unaa.org.au/event/wa-world-oceans-day-event-beach-clean/
You can also help reduce litter all year round by taking personal action by;
- Reusing & Reducing plastics
- Making safe, sustainable food choices
- Keeping toxins out of your home
- Cutting down on energy use
- Travelling the ocean responsibly
Also check out a number of activities offered by Keep Australia Beautiful that you can participate in to help reduce litter all year round at http://www.kabc.wa.gov.au/get-involved
“Our past, our present, and whatever remains of our future, absolutely depend on what we do now” – Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer