The idea of World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro as a means of collectively enjoying our world’s shared oceans and encourage our connection to the sea. It also acknowledges the important role the oceans play in our lives and increases awareness of the need and means for humans to protect them. Oceans serve as the lungs of our planet, supplying much of the oxygen we breathe and are a primary source of our food and medicines. Our oceans also provide us with natural beauty and, for some, sources of income.

Maintaining healthy oceans is critically important to improving global health and increasing global prosperity. Healthy oceans make our planet a better place to live for everyone. Because of the interconnectedness of global economies, what happens in our local seas affects not only Fiji but other parts of the Pacific as well. Preventing degradation of our oceans and their resources will enable future generations to live to the standard we have now.

World Oceans Day is a global call for citizens worldwide to explore our dependence on marine resources, learn how the oceans are changing and become aware of what we can do to create sustainable and inclusive livelihoods so the oceans and all who depend on them thrive.

Yashni Devi

Assistant Instructor 

College of Engineering, Science and Technology