Photo by Design Pics Inc / Rex Features

World Oceans Day has been unofficially observed since  1992, when the concept was initially proposed by the Canadian delegation  at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.  The United Nations finally passed a resolution in 2008 to declare June 8th as the official date from then forward.  The theme for this year’s (2nd official year) celebrations is:  “Our  Oceans: Opportunities and Challenges”.  The environmental disaster currently unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico is a reminder to us all of how dependent we are on the ocean and what a devastating effect mankind is having on the ocean and thereby it’s own future.

Many associations around the world, such as the World Ocean Network and The Ocean Project, will be promoting events to highlight the value of  ocean resources.  These events will comprise maritime festivals, beach clean-ups, school projects and other environmental presentations.  Many of these events will take place this weekend in anticipation of the big day on Tuesdayto allow for more people to participate.   You do not have to live on the coast to join in and show your appreciation for the ocean, many celebrations are being held inland as well. 

The Ocean Project website was supposed to be the resource for comunities and organisations to post their events and give people one central place to find a celebration in their area.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to connect to their site in the last three days.  I do not know if it is due to high volumes of traffic or whether their site is down.  The Deepwater Horizon disaster is bringing unprecedented attention to the perils of the ocean and it could be their site could not handle the traffic.  If you have the same problem, your local newspaper’s website will also be a great resource. 

If you cannot find a celebration in your area, make your own or donate to an ocean conservation non-profit association.  The oceans are the world’s greatest resource, we should treasure and protect them!

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