World Oceans Day: Protecting Oceans Around the Globe

8 June 2009, World Oceans Day - Oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface - they have a significant effect on our climate and play a crucial role in maintaining the many ecosystem services such as fisheries. UNEP is working to protect oceans all around the planet; for World Oceans Day, here is an overview of some of the UNEP programmes around the world.

Oceans are the source of most rainfall and they regulate the earth's temperatures and wind patterns. Though generally recognized as several 'separate' oceans, these waters comprise one global interconnected body of salt water often referred to as the World Ocean or global ocean.

Healthy and functioning oceans provide essential services to human communities that support economic well-being and human health to include providing food, shoreline protection, a source of non living resources for energy and trade, recreation, culture and a critical role in regulating the earth's climate. Unfortunately, human activities are putting oceans under increasing pressure. Resulting changes in the marine environment are occurring at a faster pace than anticipated, affecting especially the most vulnerable marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.

UNEP continues to address the accelerating degradation of the world's oceans and coastal areas through sustainable management and wise use of marine and coastal environment taking into consideration the interconnected nature of the world's oceans and coastlines, its rich and varied biodiversity and the importance of marine resources to millions of people.

Increasing pollution, degradation of habitats and emerging impacts of climate change provide tremendous challenges. UNEP Regional Seas Programmes are important intergovernmental organizations that address these challenges by engaging neighboring countries in comprehensive and specific actions to protect their shared marine environment.

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