In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171).  Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janerio in 1992.

    The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

    The theme of the inaugural observance of the World Oceans Day by the United Nations in 2009 is “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility”. The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, in cooperation with the Department of Public Information, is organizing a number of events and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 8 June 2009.

• Press Release

the Secretary-General

MESSAGE ON WORLD OCEANS DAY

8 June 2009

The first observance of World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society.  It is also an opportunity to recognize the considerable challenges we face in maintaining their capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation.

 Indeed, human activities are taking a terrible toll on the world’s oceans and seas.  Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals, and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from land-based sources.  Increased sea temperatures, sea-level rise and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose a further threat to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies. 

 Oceans are also affected by criminal activity.  Piracy and armed robbery against ships threaten the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping, which transports 90 per cent of the world’s goods.  Smuggling of illegal drugs and the trafficking of persons by sea are further examples of how criminal activities threaten lives and the peace and security of the oceans.

 Several international instruments drawn up under the auspices of the United Nations address these numerous challenges.  At their centre lies the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  It provides the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and is the basis for international cooperation at all levels.  In addition to aiming at universal participation, the world must do more to implement this Convention and to uphold the rule of law on the seas and oceans.

 The theme of World Oceans Day, “Our oceans, our responsibility”, emphasizes our individual and collective duty to protect the marine environment and carefully manage its resources.  Safe, healthy and productive seas and oceans are integral to human well-being, economic security and sustainable development.

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Programme

WORLD OCEANS DAY

(8 June 2009)

“Our oceans, our responsibility”

 Observance at United Nations Headquarters

Message of the Secretary-General

 

Press Conference by Ambassador Hasjim Djalal, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, and Advisor to the Indonesian Navy's Chief of Staff, Indonesian Naval Forces, and Professor David Freestone, Lobingier Visiting Professor of Comparative Law and Jurisprudence, George Washington University Law School, and Visiting Professor, United Nations University (1:00 p.m.)

 

Expert Panel Discussion on the theme "Our oceans, our responsibility" to mark the first observance by the United Nations of World Oceans Day, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 63/111, sponsored by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, followed by a question-and-answer period (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)  (General Assembly Hall)

Opening Remarks:

Ms. Patricia O’Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, The Legal Counsel

Moderator:

Professor David Freestone, Lobingier Visiting Professor of Comparative Law and Jurisprudence, George Washington University Law School, and Visiting Professor, United Nations University

Panellists:

• Dr. Lorna Inniss, Deputy Director, Coastal Zone Management Unit, Government of Barbados
• Dr. Magnus Ngoile, Policy and Governance Coordinator, Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems (ASCLME) Project
• Ambassador Hasjim Djalal, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, and Advisor to the Indonesian Navy's Chief of Staff, Indonesian Naval Forces
• Dr. Harlan Cohen, Advisor, Ocean Governance, Global Marine Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Dr. John Stegeman, Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Director, Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health

“A Sea Change”, a documentary screening on ocean acidification followed by a question-and-answer period co-sponsored by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, and the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Film Society (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) (Trusteeship Council Chamber)

Other Observances at United Nations Headquarters

Display organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, and relevant international organizations relating to their activities (Near Vienna Café, Basement Level 1)

 

Exhibit organized by the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Photographic Society (Near Vienna Café, Basement Level 1)

 

Delegate’s Dining Room (Luncheon menu for the day to include a sustainable seafood option)

Observance outside United Nations Headquarters

A number of Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations will celebrate World Oceans Day by organizing events

 

Empire State Building in New York City (Lighting to mark first observance of World Oceans Day)