New York

08 June 2013

Secretary-General's Message on World Oceans Day

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

From trade to food to climate regulation, the oceans are integral to all of humanity.  This is particularly so for coastal dwellers whose income and culture are irrevocably bound to the sea.  If we are to fully benefit from the oceans, we must reverse the degradation of the marine environment due to pollution, overexploitation and acidification.  I urge all nations to work to this end, including by joining and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  Let us work together to create new waves of action for ocean sustainability – for people and the planet.