Next Monday, June 8th, is World Ocean Day! It’s the global celebration where people come together with the common goal of restoring our shared oceans and creating a stable climate for our planet. The theme for this year is ‘Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet’, with the aim of ensuring previous agreements are followed through and acted upon.
At the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, 200 nations committed to an international agreement to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030 (known as 30 by 30, or 30 x 30) as part of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is a concrete step to turn the 30 x 30 commitment into achievable conservation outcomes. Many people are aware of National Parks on land and often visit them, but people often know less about MPA’s. MPA’s are, in some ways, the aquatic equivalent of National Parks, they are protected and regulated areas of the coasts and oceans that which can play a huge role in restoring the health of the ocean and safeguarding biodiversity, such as: rebuilding fish populations; protecting vital habitats like coral reefs and mangrove forests; providing natural solutions to climate impacts; and strengthening the resilience of marine ecosystems.
There are many ways to get involved in World Ocean Day, firstly the website has lots of interesting resources and information including details for schools, Clean Up Guides, information for divers and sailors, details for business, etc. There is so much here to explore. You can also take participate in one of the many events that are taking place to celebrate World Ocean Day! In 2025, thousands of events took place across 178 countries, and it is hoped that 2026 will be even bigger! The website has a map with everything happening and so have look if there is something local to you, there are film screenings, educational events, clean-ups, art, sports, lectures and online events taking place. You’re sure to find something of interest to allow you to take part this year!
World Ocean Day began as an idea in 1992 when Canada proposed the concept at the Earth Summit in Rio, and the first celebrations took place. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized 8th June as World Oceans Day at a meeting in New York. There is a different theme each year and they helped champion the 30×30 cause and achieving the international agreement. Despite the agreement, implementing this over the next four years is hugely ambitious.
30 by 30 UK
Within the United Kingdom, the 30×30 UK organisation aims to help bridge the gap from commitment to reality to enable us to move towards achieving this goal. Last year they launched the 30×30 UK Map which is a publicly accessible tool designed to track our progress towards the 30×30 target in real-time showing those areas already counting towards 30×30 or could count one day with the right support. It is fascinating insight into your local area and worth looking at! According to 30×30 UK, the current estimated percentage position for protected land and sea within the country is:
- England: 7.1% for Land and 40% for Sea
- Wales: 10.6% for Land and 50% for Sea
- Northern Ireland: 9.8% for Land and 36% for Sea
- Scotland: 18.2% for Land and 37% for Sea
Although, more work is needed to review and confirm these figures, and as they indicate there is still work do, particularly on the land side to ensure the country meets its commitment.
Summary
The oceans are critical to the planet, as it helps generate oxygen, provides food, and regulates our climate. Healthy oceans will help create a healthy world and it is important that everyone helps achieve this. So why don’t you take step today and do something to support World Ocean Day 2026!
