8 June 2015: The world has celebrated World Oceans Day, which took place under the theme, ‘Healthy oceans, healthy planet.’ The day drew attention to the importance of protecting and sustainably managing the world’s oceans as well as the central role of oceans in biodiversity, climate, hydrology and other Earth systems.

Oceans help regulate the climate and provide a range of services that are valued at over US$1 trillion annually, including absorption of carbon dioxide, food and nutrition, livelihoods, protection from flooding and storms, and half of the oxygen that we breathe, according to the UN. However, ocean resources and services are threatened by climate change, habitat destruction, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other unsustainable, destructive fishing practices, and marine pollution, among other challenges. Climate change threatens oceans’ health and productivity through impacts such as ocean acidification and sea level rise.

Oceans “are an essential element in our emerging vision for sustainable development, including the new set of sustainable development goals” (SDGs), declared UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement for the Day, adding that agreements on ending poverty and addressing climate change “will demand that [Member States] look at the essential role of world’s oceans.” He called for appreciating, protecting and restoring oceans and their resources and committing to using oceans “peacefully, equitably and sustainably for generations to come.”

“A sustainable planet cannot exist without a healthy ocean, ” stressed UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Irina Bokova in her message, which emphasized the dependence of every country and every form of life on the health and functioning of oceans. She also highlighted the importance of addressing a healthy ocean in a universal climate change agreement and in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Executive Secretary Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias outlined steps CBD Parties have taken to achieve sustainable fisheries through the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, including commitments to protect at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas by 2020, reduce pressure on coral reefs and address invasive alien species (IAS). He called for action to “ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity and the fair and equitable sharing of its benefits.”

UNESCO held an event on the role of the ocean in the climate system to mark the Day. The event highlighted the role of oceans in regulating climate and weather. Participants also discussed UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s (IOC) research on the role of oceans in mitigating climate change and on trends in ocean acidification and warming.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) hosted a Pacific Ocean Alliance meeting, which called for action, including on a new agreement on biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) marked the day by signing a host country agreement with the Government of Vanuatu to facilitate a Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change project, which aims to support climate change adaptation through the protection and restoration of ecosystems and natural resources in Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands. SPREP, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and Pacific Ocean Alliance partners also organized ocean cleanups throughout the Pacific region.

Other events included: a side event at the World Meteorological Congress (WMO), ‘Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet: Opportunities for Observations, Research and Services;’ the annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition at UN Headquarters; a panel discussion on how to build a fully functioning blue economy organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the World Ocean Summit 2015, which took place from 3-5 June in Portugal; and the promotion of responsible, sustainable seafood by UNESCO in partnership with Relais & Châteaux and SeaWeb Europe. Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) highlighted studies on fisheries and marine protected areas (MPAs), which underscore the urgency of improving marine fisheries governance and highlight the importance of increased protection for boosting the ocean economy. [UN Press Release] [PIFS Press Release] [SPREP Press Release] [WMO Press Release] [UN Press Release on Photo Competition] [IMO Press Release] [UNESCO Press Release on Event] [UNESCO Press Release on Sustainable Seafood] [UN Secretary-General Statement] [UNESCO Director-General Statement] [CBD Executive Secretary Statement] [GEF Press Release] [WAVES News Page]