Sailors for World Ocean Day - join an event or make your own

by Alyssa Isakower on 20 Apr 2011 June 8th of every year marks the official, United Nations-recognized celebration of World Oceans Day, and thousands of individuals and organisations that value the ocean - yacht clubs, aquariums, zoos, museums and conservation organisations around the world will participate with fun, inspirational, and educational events.

This year, World Oceans Day celebrations help draw attention to the importance of getting young people in our communities inspired to protect the ocean.

2011 marks the beginning of our two-year theme: 'Youth: the Next Wave for Change.' This focus on youth is based on market research by The Ocean Project and others which clearly shows that youth are the most promising members of the public to reach out to if you want to effect lasting change.

Young people are the most knowledgeable and motivated segment of the population when it comes to the environment and its protection. Youth generally have the free time, familiarity with current issues, and the motivation to go out of their way to take environmental actions. Furthermore, the research shows that parents are increasingly looking to their tween and teenage (i.e. ages 12-17) children for information and advice on these issues.

The oceans are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe. It also regulates the Earth’s climate, provides jobs and recreation, feeds us, inspires us, and provides many different medicines. World Oceans Day is a day to show our appreciation for this incredibly important piece of the biosphere and to raise awareness of the challenges it faces.

Widespread celebration of World Oceans Day and personal action for our blue planet is critical at a time when the health of our world’s ocean is in dire shape. This World Oceans Day, think about ways to reach out to youth; then join the ocean celebration with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues and do your part to help protect and conserve the ocean!

Visit www.WorldOceansDay.org to find an event near you or get ideas for planning your own celebration.

Whether you follow the theme or choose your own unique focus, we would love to hear about it! Submit your event listing or post on the World Oceans Day Facebook wall.