World Oceans Day 2020: this year’s theme, activities and history behind the annual United Nations event

Taking place annually, World Oceans Day encourages people around the world to take action in order to restore and protect the ocean

But when does it take place this year, what is the meaning behind it and what is the 2020 theme?

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s World Oceans Day.

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Taking place annually, World Oceans Day encourages people around the world to take action in order to restore and protect the ocean (Photo: Shutterstock)Taking place annually, World Oceans Day encourages people around the world to take action in order to restore and protect the ocean (Photo: Shutterstock)
Taking place annually, World Oceans Day encourages people around the world to take action in order to restore and protect the ocean (Photo: Shutterstock)

What is World Oceans Day?

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In 2008, the United Nations (UN) officially recognised World Oceans Day, marking it as an occasion on the same date each year.

The purpose of the annual event is to inform the public about the impact that human actions can have on the ocean and encourage and “unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans,” explains the UN.

When is World Oceans Day?

World Oceans Day takes place on 8 June each year.

What is the history of World Oceans Day?

In 1992, Canada proposed the concept of a World Ocean Day at the Earth Summit.

In 2002, The Ocean Project began global promotion and coordination of World Ocean Day.

The WorldOceanDay.org website launched in order to support event organisers worldwide in 2003, with 25 events held in 15 countries.

In December 2008, the United Nations officially recognised 8 June as World Oceans Day - adding the ‘s’.

World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council was launched in 2016 in order to help develop World Oceans Day and connect and unite youth around the world.

“Their goal is to be a global network of leaders that help shape our vision and actions for a better future with a healthier ocean that sustains us all,” the website explains.

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In 2019, there were more than 2,000 events in over 140 countries.

What is this year’s theme?

This year, the United Nations explains that the theme for World Oceans Day 2020 is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean,” which relates to their wider ongoing sustainability project.

The UN explains that this year’s theme of innovation “relates to the introduction of new methods, ideas, or products” and is a term filled with hope.

The United Nations has a dedicated page where you can shortly learn all about this year’s theme.

Leading scientists worldwide have determined that we need to protect at least 30 per cent of our blue planet by 2030. World Oceans Day joins with many organisations on this important initiative and is therefore running a petition which can be signed in order to support this.

How can I get involved with World Oceans Day 2020?

There’s a virtual event that you can stream via Facebook, UN Web TV or Oceanic Global from 10am to 5pm EDT.

The World Oceans Day website is also running a variety of events globally, alongside a range of online events, from arts exhibitions to poetry readings and film screenings.

There are also a number of helpful resources on the website.

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