World Oceans Day 2014

8 June

World Oceans Day logo

World Oceans Day aims to raise awareness of the role of the oceans and the importance of conserving and protecting our marine environment.

The theme for this year is “Together we have the power to protect our ocean for a better economy’’, addressing the deterioration of health and productivity due to poor management of the ocean. 

The Minister of Environmental Affairs has developed an integrated approached to ocean governance including management plans for ocean areas, environmental variables, conflict scenarios and trade-offs as highlighted in the White Paper on National Environmental Management of the Ocean.

Background

The 8th of June is observed internationally as World Oceans Day. While the day has been unofficially celebrated since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, in December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to officially recognise World Oceans Day on June 8 each year.

This special day is an opportunity to celebrate the world’s shared oceans and to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in people lives. The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life. They also power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

Observance of World Oceans Day in South Africa

The observance of World Oceans Day in South Africa allows us to highlight the impact of oceans on our country and the various ways in which oceans contribute to our country. Celebrating the day provides the department with an opportunity to highlight the considerable challenges we face in dealing with marine pollution, maintaining the oceans’ capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation.

The celebration of the day coincides with and forms part of the dedication of June as National Environment Month.

Source: United Nations World Oceans Day

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