One Ocean, One Climate, Our Future – Together
SAAMBR is proud to join hundreds of other educational institutions, conservation organizations, and thousands of individuals in dozens of countries around the world to celebrate our shared ocean. World Ocean Day – held on June 8th of each year – is an opportunity to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.
World Ocean Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the world’s oceans, their amazing diversity and the critical role that they play in sustaining life on land. Covering over 70% of the earths’ surface, the health of people is critically linked to the health of the oceans. But because most of us only see the blue surface of the ocean we forget its role in our survival. Life on earth is possible because of our oceans.
Marine Protected Areas are the focus of World Ocean Day 2021. Just like national parks help protect animals and habitats on land, marine protected areas help safeguard areas of the ocean and marine animals. South Africa has 42 Marine Protected Areas – special places that we need to protect for current and future generations. According to Dr Judy Mann-Lang, Conservation Strategist at SAAMBR ‘Unless we act to protect these areas now, many of our special and unique natural areas and species will disappear before our children and grandchildren have a chance to benefit from them.’
If you are lucky enough to live near to the sea, this World Ocean Day get out and celebrate with a walk on the beach or a swim in the sea. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that about half of the oxygen we need comes from the ocean. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, to our climate and our economy – we need the ocean. But the ocean needs our support now. Here are three simple things that you can do to help our ocean:
To find out how you can care for the ocean visit Our messages | SAAMBR
World Ocean Day Background:
Coordinated and promoted internationally byThe Ocean Project since 2002, World Ocean Day is an annual celebration on 8 June as well as a call for ocean conservation action throughout the year. Starting in 2009, World Ocean Day has also been officially recognized by the United Nations. This celebration of our one shared ocean brings together organizations and individuals from youth groups, schools, aquariums, zoos, museums, businesses, maritime and tourism industries, government agencies, recreational enthusiasts including divers, surfers, sailors, communities of faith and more. Learn more: World Ocean Day – Uniting Ocean Action Worldwide on 8 June Every Year
