The ocean: life and livelihood
The ocean covers more than 70 % of the planet. It is our source of life, sustaining all humankind and every other organism on earth.
The ocean produces at least 50 % of the planet's oxygen and is home to most of the Earth's biodiversity. In particular, it is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. The ocean is also key to our economy, with around 40 million people employed by ocean industries by 2030.
Man therefore needs the ocean to survive, and the ocean now needs more support if it is to continue to perform the functions on which the whole planet depends.
With 90 % of large fish populations already depleted and 50 % of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. So to protect and preserve the ocean and all that it supports, we need to create a new balance, rooted in a true understanding of the ocean and how humanity is connected to it. We need to establish a relationship with the ocean that is truly inclusive, innovative and informed by the lessons of the past.
"The Ocean: Life and Livelihood" is the theme of World Oceans Day 2021, as well as a declaration of intent that sets out a decade of challenges to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14, "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources", by 2030.
A second event and a decade for ocean sciences
World Ocean Day is celebrated to remind us that the oceans play a vital role in our livelihoods. They are the lungs of our planet, providing, for example, most of the oxygen we breathe. They are also an important source of food and medicines, and an essential part of the biosphere. It is therefore important to raise public awareness of the fundamental role they play in our ecosystem, and of the threats they face as a result of human activity. One of the aims of this day is to mobilise and unite people around the world around more sustainable management of the oceans, while paying tribute to their beauty and richness.
The second, entirely virtual, celebration of the United Nations World Oceans Day, on 8 June 2021, will highlight the theme of "The Ocean: Life and Livelihood".
Produced by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, in partnership with non-profit organisation Oceanic Global, and presenting partner Blancpain, this year's annual event will highlight the wonders of the ocean by explaining why it is the source of life for humanity and all other organisms on Earth.
Join us for this year's annual UN World Oceans Day event and hear from opinion leaders, celebrities, institutional partners, community voices, entrepreneurs and cross-sector experts on biodiversity and the economic opportunities that the ocean can bring.
This year's theme is particularly relevant in view of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development, which will run from 2021 to 2030. The Decade will strengthen international cooperation to develop scientific research and innovative technologies that can link ocean sciences to the needs of society.
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