World Oceans Day is an international day celebrated every year on June 8. Declared by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, this day was established to raise awareness at a global level and promote the protection and sustainable use of oceans and seas. Because oceans are a fundamental component of the world ecosystem, supporting biodiversity, contributing to climate regulation, and being vital for the continuation of life, this day is celebrated to develop a shared international consciousness.
The Ocean (Anadolu Ajansı)
Purpose
The primary purpose of World Oceans Day is to draw attention to the ecological, economic, and scientific importance of oceans, create global awareness for the protection of marine ecosystems, and support efforts to address environmental issues threatening ocean health. The day encourages wide participation, from individuals to governments, from civil society organizations to scientific institutions. UNESCO regards this day as an opportunity to highlight the reciprocal relationship between humanity and oceans and aims to strengthen international cooperation for ocean protection through a sense of shared responsibility.
History
The idea of World Oceans Day was first brought up at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In 2008, it was officially adopted by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), establishing June 8 as the annual date for its celebration. The United Nations General Assembly also approved this date and incorporated World Oceans Day into the official calendar. Each year, UNESCO designates different themes for this day to conduct global awareness activities related to ocean conservation.
Global Initiatives and Contributions
UNESCO plays a central role in the activities carried out on World Oceans Day. The organization coordinates the “United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” initiative, launched in 2021. This decade aims to increase knowledge sharing in ocean science, manage marine resources sustainably, and develop science-based policies for ecosystem protection. More than 300 actions have been implemented within the framework of the Ocean Decade, including international programs to advance deep-sea research, the establishment of scientific coordination structures in the Southern Ocean, and efforts to map 100% of the ocean floor by 2030.【1】
UNESCO conducts these projects in cooperation with the International Hydrographic Organization and the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project. Additionally, the Ocean Decade Conference is planned in 2024 with the Government of Spain, and the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025 will be hosted by France and Costa Rica, emphasizing scientific approaches. In her 2023 World Oceans Day message, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay referred to oceans as the “blue lungs of the world,” emphasizing that the protection of this shared resource is humanity’s responsibility for the future of the planet.
Activities in Türkiye
In Türkiye, World Oceans Day activities are coordinated by the Navigation, Hydrography, and Oceanography Department of the Turkish Naval Forces Command, which represents the country at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Under the leadership of this institution, the SHOH Planning and Coordination Board, consisting of representatives from organizations related to marine research and marine area management, meets annually. At its 2018 meeting, it was decided that World Oceans Day should be celebrated nationwide to raise awareness and that informational activities aligned with the annual theme should be organized.
In Türkiye, efforts to combat marine pollution are carried out within the framework of the Integrated Marine Pollution Monitoring Program conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Within this program, research is conducted by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) Environment and Clean Production Institute and various universities to determine the levels and effects of pollution in the seas. Additionally, efforts continue to reduce plastic pollution, develop treatment technologies, and promote environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
