One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together

World Ocean Day © Daria Blackwell

Celebrate World Ocean Day on the 8th of June (and every other day) by doing your little bit for the oceans we adore throughout the month of June.

With the leadership of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, World Ocean Day 2022 is shaping up to be the most impactful yet with activities, celebrations, and other events - both online and in-person - planned throughout the ocean month of June.

Thousands of events are expected, hosted by youth groups, schools, aquariums, zoos, and businesses in 150 countries. Collectively, their actions will help influence world leaders to support strong protection for our shared ocean as they make decisions leading up to the U.N. Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal at the end of June and the U.N. Biodiversity Conference in Kunming, China planned for later this year. "We as young people need to unite to take care of our planet and live in a more sustainable way," said Nathany Herrera, World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council member from Brazil, "The words that guide us are collaboration and resilience; Collaboration because we should not rely on a few people acting perfectly, but millions of people acting imperfectly with a commitment to real change and being resilient in the face of countless problems that we are yet to face."

For 2022, World Ocean Day is raising awareness and support for the global movement to protect at least 30% of the world's lands, waters, and ocean by 2030 (30x30). Safeguarding at least 30% through a network of highly protected areas can help ensure a healthy ocean and climate. Young people believe that they are important messengers for this movement. "The youth today are the flag bearers of change while serving as a voice for the voiceless, the endangered species, the climate, and the waters," comments Syeda Areesha Fatima, Youth Advisory Council member from Pakistan, "we can play a pivotal role in decision-making and the dialogue, serving as an inspiration to others."

The Youth Advisory Council, with 25 members ages 16 - 23 from 22 countries, provides new and unique perspectives, ideas, and recommendations for rallying the world for ocean and climate conservation in June and throughout the year. Laura Maisvoreva, Youth Advisory Council member from Zimbabwe said, "Young people are central to ensuring a healthy planet in the future. We have to take action now to prevent further damage to the planet and encourage restoration and rejuvenation!"

The WorldOceanDay.org website serves as a resource for anyone and everyone looking to celebrate and take action on 8 June, World Ocean Day, and any day throughout the year. Individuals looking to participate in an event near them or online can search the database of events, activities, and conservation-related announcements using the World Map and Events Calendar. "It's extremely encouraging to see how many in-person and online events are taking place this year to celebrate our one shared ocean," said Samantha Gibb, World Ocean Day Manager with The Ocean Project, "More people and organizations than ever before are coming together globally to support protecting at least 30% of our lands, waters, and ocean by 2030."

New this year, World Ocean Day has created a "How-To Guide" to make it easier for event coordinators to integrate a "call to action" for participants that will help advance the 30x30 movement. All of the 30x30 materials and additional resources can be found at WorldOceanDay.org/Resources including ocean-related lesson plans for kids, printable posters and banners, social media graphics, World Ocean Day logos, and merchandise for volunteers. While millions of people will be celebrating and honoring our ocean on 8 June, World Ocean Day, Youth Advisory Council members encourage taking action to protect and restore the ocean all throughout the year. "Young environmental conservationists like us need to raise awareness amongst our peers as well as older generations" added Yutong Yang, Youth Advisory Council member from China, "But that's not enough; It is our duty to come up with new and creative solutions to the problems we're facing, and to envision and usher in a healthy future for our planet by working together despite our differences - every day of the year!"

Visit the World Ocean Day website to learn about events around the world, download resources for activities of your own, and educational resources for children. Lend your voice to the collective by signing the 30x30 petition as well.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of Ocean Cruising Club.