The Ocean Project, the largest network advancing ocean conservation around the world is spearheading activities, celebrations and other events for World Ocean Day 2021 on 8 June, under the leadership of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council.
Many events, both in-person and virtual, will take place throughout June as hundreds of organisations, from youth groups and schools to aquariums, zoos, and businesses. are getting involved in activities and influencing world leaders to support increased protections for the ocean.
Protecting the ocean
The aim of this year’s World Ocean Day is to support a global movement to protect at least 30% of the world’s lands, waters and oceans by 2030 (30×30). Doing so, through a network of protected areas, will help to ensure a healthy climate.
“It’s so inspiring to see so many youth change-makers from around our blue planet that share the same passions and ideas that I do, and more importantly, a burning and unquenchable desire for improvement,” says Natalie Ashkar, a World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council representative from Lebanon.
Young people support conservation
The Youth Advisory Council was formed to provide new perspectives and ideas for motivating the world around the topics of ocean and climate conservation. Its 25 members are aged between 16 and 23 and are from 20 diverse countries around the globe. For 2021, the Council is leading a 24-hour Youth-A-Thon on 5 – 6 June.
“Young people have an important part to play in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet’s ocean,” said Belinda Ng, a World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council representative from Hong Kong. “With the hard work of the Council members alongside passionate young people from all over the world, I am hopeful and optimistic about the future.”
“It’s extremely encouraging to see how many in-person and online events are taking place this year to celebrate our one shared ocean,” adds Emma Shahabi, World Ocean Day Coordinator, “More people and organizations than ever before are coming together globally to support protecting at least 30% of the Earth’s land and ocean by the year 2030. Together we can make a difference!”
To find out more about the thousands of events taking place, please click here.
Last year, The Ocean Project hosted a special webinar looking at how the pandemic has impacted people’s intentions to visit zoos and aquariums, and what might make them feel comfortable visiting again.
