World Ocean Day is celebrated on June 7th each year as a call for action towards ocean and climate conservation. The day aims to promote a better future with a healthy ocean and a stable climate by encouraging collaboration and participation from individuals and organizations around the world. Global coordination of World Ocean Day was established in 2002 by The Ocean Project, and the United Nations formally recognized the day in 2008. The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council was initiated in 2016 to engage the younger generation in ocean conservation efforts.
The Ocean Race, a round-the-world sailing competition, received the Sustainability category award at the International Sports Awards for its Racing with Purpose sustainability program. The collaboration between The Ocean Race and 11th Hour Racing aimed to emphasize ocean protection and conservation within the competition. President and co-founder of 11th Hour Racing, Wendy Schmidt, highlighted the urgent need for action to address the declining health of the ocean due to climate change. The 2022-23 edition of The Ocean Race focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advocating for ocean rights, collecting scientific data, and educating young people on ocean conservation.
The efforts of The Ocean Race in promoting sustainability and ocean conservation have had significant impacts, such as slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% compared to the previous edition of the Race. Through high-level Summits and events, the Race has brought together various stakeholders, including Prime Ministers, business leaders, athletes, sailors, indigenous people, and ocean advocates, to support initiatives like the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights. The Race has also collected valuable scientific data on water temperature, CO2 levels, and microplastic pollution, especially from remote ocean regions with limited data. Educational programs have empowered over 225,000 children in more than 80 countries to care for the ocean.
World Ocean Day belongs to all individuals and organizations, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in protecting the ocean and addressing climate change. The celebration of World Ocean Day has grown over the years, with millions of people coming together annually to raise awareness and take action for ocean conservation. The Ocean Race’s commitment to sustainability and ocean protection serves as an example of how sporting events can promote environmental causes and drive positive change. Through initiatives like the Racing with Purpose sustainability program, The Ocean Race is actively contributing to the global efforts to safeguard the ocean and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
