World Oceans Day 2024: Awaken New Depths

World Oceans Day was commemorated at the UN Headquarters in New York recently, focusing on "inspiring possibilities, igniting senses, and opening minds" to safeguard marine life worldwide.

About World Oceans Day:

1. Date: Observed annually on June 8.
2. Purpose: Aims to raise awareness about the critical role oceans play in the planet's ecosystem.
   1. Covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, oceans regulate the climate, provide food and oxygen, and support diverse marine life.
   2. Essential for human livelihoods, supporting industries like fishing, tourism, and shipping.
3. Collaboration: Encourages global cooperation for sustainable ocean management, addressing issues like pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
4. Theme 2024: "Awaken New Depths"
5. History:
   1. The concept originated in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
   2. The idea gained momentum, leading to its official recognition by the United Nations in 2008.
   3. The UN General Assembly designated June 8 as World Oceans Day to raise awareness about the importance and preservation of oceans.
   4. The UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea organizes events annually to create public awareness.

United Nations High Seas Treaty:

1. Referred to as the 'Paris Agreement for the Ocean', this treaty addresses Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
2. It concerns the ocean beyond Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and was proposed to be negotiated under the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

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