The United Nations has designated June 8th, 2021 as World Oceans Day
A day for humanity to celebrate the ocean.
Oceans Day was first declared on June 8th, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which provided an opportunity for non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society to express their views on environmental issues. “World Oceans Day” was eventually declared in 2008, and in June 2017, the United Nations Ocean Conference was convened to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)14 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (source – UN World Oceans Day).
CCBCVI and Àros na Mara World Oceans Day
Many countries throughout the world now acknowledge and celebrate this special day. Since 2016, Central Cape Breton Community Ventures (CCBCVI) has been hosting an annual Àros na Mara World Oceans Day Festival to locally recognize this world-wide UNESCO designated event. CCBCVI considers this a special occasion for Cape Breton Island’s own participation in the world-wide celebration.
The purpose of the informative and celebratory Àros na Mara-hosted event is to heighten public awareness, general acknowledgement and appreciation about the fundamental value the Bras d ’Or Lake possesses for all Nova Scotians.
Each year, Àros na Mara World Oceans Day is a family-fun and ocean-themed festival for people to enjoy scientific and interactive displays, children’s games, and informative aquatic oriented demonstrations. Festival goers can sample locally crafted specialties while being entertained by some of Cape Breton’s finest Celtic performers. The program also features visiting vessels and exhibits as well as a speakers program.
This year, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic we are unfortunately unable to host our annual World Oceans Day Festival to a live gathering here in Cape Breton. For the safety and concern of our residents, in lieu of a live celebration we invite you to join in a special virtual conference being hosted by the United Nations. To register or to simply learn more, click here.
More to Discover
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE? WHERE DO I LEARN MORE? WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
To explore the latest ocean-related stories, resources, and videos from the UN World Oceans Day community, click here.
For things you can do to help save our oceans, click here.
To sign the World Oceans Day petition to add your voice in supporting the protection of 30% of our planet by 2030, click here.
To view the World Oceans Day blogs, click here.
To download World Ocean Day social media resources, how-to guides, planning tool kits, and other resources, click here.
For information on Nova Scotia events, click here.
Past Àros Na Mara Celebrations
CCBCVI would like to thank all volunteers, partners and sponsors for their continued support, hard work, and commitment in helping us achieve our goals and celebrating our successes!
The following gallery features a look back at some of our past World Ocean Day celebrations and seminars here in Cape Breton. Just click on any image for a larger view.
