Today, 8 June is World Oceans Day. The concept was originally proposed by Canada on 8 June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year the theme is "Our oceans: opportunities and challenges".
On the first World Oceans Day, the Secretary General of the United Nations declared: "The first observance of World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society. It is also an opportunity to recognize the considerable challenges we face in maintaining their capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation."
For more information, including on events in your neighbourhood and worldwide being held today and in past years, go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Oceans_Day
http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/2010events.php
John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer 8 June 2010