UN marks World Oceans Day, calling for global action for healthy ocean

The United Nations on Monday marks the World Oceans Day, calling on the international community to promote actions for a healthy ocean for the good of a sustainable planet.

"Oceans are an essential component of the Earth's ecosystem, and healthy oceans are critical to sustaining a healthy planet," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for the day.

Noting that humans have caused changes to the climate system that has led to sea-level rising and ocean ecosystem degrading, Ban said this year is pivotal for the world to strengthen its resolve to protect and restore the oceans and their resources.

Later this year, the UN will promote the universal adoption of a climate change agreement as well as a new generation of sustainable development goals, which are expected to lead the global action for various aspects of world development including ocean conservation.

"A sustainable planet cannot exist without a healthy ocean," said Irina Bokova, director-general of the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in her message for the day.

According to UN data, oceans cover three quarters of the Earth' s surface, contain 97 percent of the Earth's water, and represent 99 percent of the living space on the planet by volume. Oceans absorb about 30 percent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

In addition, around 40 percent of the world oceans are heavily affected by human activities, including pollution, depleted fisheries, and loss of coastal habitats.

"On this World Oceans Day, I call on members states, civil society and the private sector to join forces to raise awareness and to promote global action on the importance of the ocean in the global climate system," said Bokova. Endite