Today (Thursday 8 June) is World Oceans Day, which is hosted by the United Nations (UN) division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS), in partnership with Oceanic Global and supported by Panerai.
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet and is our life source, supporting humanity's sustenance and every other organism on Earth.
It produces at least 50% of the planet's oxygen, is home to most of the earth's biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. The ocean is also key to our economy, with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
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
For this year's celebration, it is time to put the ocean first, and this year's theme is: "Tides are changing".
In celebration of this year's theme, the UN is joining forces with decision-makers, scientists, private sector executives, civil society representatives, indigenous communities, celebrities and youth activists, to put the ocean first.
The purpose of the event is to:
