Each year, the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council helps to develop the messaging around a Conservation Action Focus in an effort to unite the collective efforts from organizations and people around the world with one specific call to action.
This year, to keep the momentum and global movement growing, the World Ocean Day 2022 Conservation Action Focus will continue to be:
Protecting at least 30% of our lands, waters,
and ocean by 2030 (“30×30”).
The World Ocean Day network has been supporting 30×30 for the last two years and we’re making progress: Over 41,000 individuals and 1,100 organizations from 84 countries across the globe signed in support of protecting at least 30% of our planet’s lands, waters, and ocean by 2030. This support helped convince leaders in dozens of countries to take action, but there is still more work to do!
More about “30×30”: Leading scientists worldwide have determined that we need to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030, to address both the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis, and a healthy ocean is a critical part of the solution to these crises. By supporting 30×30, we can protect our planet’s life support systems – specifically the interconnected issues of ocean, climate, and biodiversity.
Currently, less than 17% of land worldwide and less than 8% of the ocean is protected. The good news is, due to the efforts of the global movement, including all those involved in the World Ocean Day network, more than 80 countries have already committed to protecting at least 30% of their land and ocean by 2030, as part of the High Ambition Coalition.
2022 is a critical time for action: Later this year national leaders will convene for the long-delayed UN Biodiversity Summit (COP15) in Kunming, China where a global pledge for 30×30 is a possible outcome.
That’s why World Ocean Day and its fast-growing global network will continue to promote the global petition urging national leaders to demonstrate their strong support for protecting at least 30% of our lands, waters and ocean by 2030.
National leaders in countries that have already committed to the 30×30 goal will receive thanks but also a strong request to implement their plans now. National leaders in countries that have not yet made the 30×30 commitment will be asked to join the growing number of countries that have made the promise. See which countries have already signed on to support 30×30 here.
Get ready and stay tuned! When you lead or participate in World Ocean Day events and activities on and around 8 June, you are both celebrating our blue planet and uniting with a global community of leaders and changemakers to make a real difference. By working together, we can protect and restore our shared ocean and climate!
Between now and 8 June, you can expect email updates every few weeks providing you and your community with new free resources and tools. This will include customizable promotional materials, social media toolkits, and action-oriented event ideas to support you as you make your plans.
Ready to get started now? You can:
- Fill out the World Ocean Day event planning interest form and we’ll be in touch!
- Spread the word about WorldOceanDay.org with your friends, family and colleagues. Have them subscribe to updates here.
- Plan an activity, celebration or other type of event that marks the day. Get inspired here.
- Follow World Ocean Day on social media to get the latest updates. Join us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.