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World Oceans Day 2015
Image credit: UNESCO
The ocean is crucial for the survival of not just marine life but each and every animal living on this planet, including humans. The majority of the oxygen in the air that we breathe is here thanks to our oceans. On June 8th 2015, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) are inviting the world to dedicate a day to our ocean's role in the climate on this year's World Ocean Day.
The impact of human behaviors and activities have massive impacts upon our oceans and World Ocean Day is celebrated to help raise awareness and drive unity for a project of sustainable global ocean management.
ICO-UNESCO this year are dedicating the entire day to understanding how important the ocean is for us and all in preparation for the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP21) in December this year.
Ocean sensitive strategies will be developed throughout the day with a programme which includes scientific workshops, a UNESCO Open Campus for exhibitions aiming to unite scientists and politicians so they can work together to identify initiatives to prevent climate change.
The video below shows spectacular ocean views and some of the phenomonal life forms which populate our oceans across the world.
World Oceans Day 2015
World Oceans Day 2015
Video credit: SciencePhotoLibrary / YouTube
A High Level closing ceremony will crown the celebrations of the day, including presentations to heads of states, government officials, representatives from the UN amongst other high ranking officials (including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; high representatives of small island states, namely H.E. Tommy E. Remengesau, President of Palau; H.E. Danny Faure, Vice-President of the Seychelles; and H.E. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados; as well as H.E. Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime affairs and Fisheries). The presentations will include the best suggestions from the scientific workshops from earlier in the day.
Why Celebrate World Ocean Day?
The ocean quite literally connects us all together. It helps feed millions around the world, provides vital medicines as well as being home to some of the most wonderful creatures on the planet.
As mentioned previously, the ocean is the lifeforce for the world as a whole, providing the majority of the oxygen we breathe. The public must be informed about how our activities as a humans are ruining the ocean, with horrifying consequences if not remediated soon. A worldwide initiative needs to be developed to ensure the long term protection of the ocean.
Share your celebrations of World Oceans Day using the hashtag #WorldOceansDay on social media!
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