Planet Ocean: tides are changing
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.
The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.
With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.
“Planet Ocean: tides are changing”, is the theme for World Oceans Day 2023 - the UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activist to put the ocean first.
Visit the official UN World Oceans Day website!
Visit the official website to learn more about the International Day, find out about news and celebrations, or read the latest news and reports on the oceans.
Join us and celebrate the value of oceans
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.
The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.
This year, the United Nations will host ahybrid celebration of the annual event on 8 June 2023, hosted in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York to be broadcasted live. It will highlight the 2023 theme of "Planet Ocean: tides are changing".
Hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, in partnership with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, and supported by Panerai, this year’s annual event will shed light on how we can work together to ensure the ocean’s health and well-being.
Did you know?
- The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
- The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
- Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.
Last year's programme had an audience of 86,000 viewers, 72 million people on social media, and 30 international speakers!
Sign up for this digital event that takes place on 8 June, and discover other events around the world. You can access the programme of the event here.
Thursday, 8 June 2023
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. EDT
Photo contest: Enjoy the most beautiful photos of the oceans
Discover the beauty of the oceans thanks to the photo contest organized by the United Nations on the occasion of World Oceans Day. The 2023 winners will be published shortly, but in the meantime you can see the finalists from previous editions and get ready, camera in hand ... to participate in the next 2024 edition!
