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The concept of Blue Voyage 鈥 or Mavi Yolculuk in Turkish 鈥 refers to a traditional sailing journey along T眉rkiye鈥檚 southwestern coast. In T眉rkiye鈥檚 Bodrum Peninsula, the 鈥淏lue Voyage鈥 tradition faces threats from rapid tourism growth and coastal degradation. Once rich in marine life, Bodrum鈥檚 shores declined as seagrass meadows鈥攙ital carbon sinks and habitats鈥攚ere removed. In 2023, marine biologist Mert G枚kalp and the Underwater Research Society launched Project Posidonia with UNDP-GEF support, mapping 2,185 hectares of seagrass, identifying risks, and recommending marine protections. Beyond science, the project fostered community dialogue, waste and mooring reforms, and international collaboration.
The ocean, vital for food, clean air, and livelihoods, is increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Fifty years after Jaws, UN Ocean Patron Lewis Pugh is swimming 96km around Martha鈥檚 Vineyard to shift perceptions and highlight the real threat sharks face, mass killing by humans, not the other way around.
Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, yet many face bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Studies show that over 50% of female seafarers, and significant number of male seafarers, have experienced harassment at sea that threatens their safety, mental wellbeing and career progression. On 25 June, the global maritime community comes together to celebrate the . This year, the International Maritime Organization ) launched the campaign 'My Harassment-Free Ship', a bold initiative to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
In Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, seaweed farming is a vital livelihood for many, but challenges threaten its future. Farmers like Imilita Mawaldani Hikanti have relied on cultivating agal-agal seaweeds for generations. The province, known as the 鈥淪eaweed Capital of the Philippines,鈥 produces around 40% of of the country鈥檚 600 000-tonne annual output of seaweed. However, volatile prices and competition have driven local prices down to PHP 25 per kilo (about USD 0.44), leading to losses for farmers. Additional issues like ice-ice disease caused by climate change exacerbate the situation. To address these challenges, and local authorities have launched a project to enhance seaweed production and value chains.
The ocean plays a vital role in climate regulation, economy, and food security. This year鈥檚 is a valuable opportunity to address threats like pollution and underfunding of marine conservation.
Christina Perrine is a woman whose early environmental awareness led her to take action locally. In 2023, she became a Plastics Ambassador for the . Using her solar-powered bicycle, she visited rural villages to collect discarded plastic bottles and educate the community on recycling and reducing plastic use. The initiative, supported by and the , trained six ambassadors, engaged over 4,000 citizens, and collected more than five tonnes of plastic waste. The project also organized clean-up campaigns, assisted small businesses in minimizing single-use plastics, and reached nearly 1,800 students with educational programs.
The will unite global leaders to address urgent ocean challenges, drive sustainable use, and protect livelihoods dependent on marine ecosystems and trade.
The ocean is in crisis. Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are threatening ecosystems, economies, and communities. Yet, the ocean is vital: it regulates our climate, provides us with oxygen, and absorbs carbon. Urgent action is needed to restore its health. From 9 to 13 June, global political leaders, civil society, private sector, youth and other partners are meeting in Nice, France, at the to drive bold commitments for a sustainable ocean future. Follow all sessions on !
The ocean is our life source, producing over 50% of our oxygen, feeding billions, and regulating our climate. Yet, it's under threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. We are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. This World Oceans Day (8 June), under the theme " Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us", we are invited to take action, protect the ocean, and be inspired by its beauty, mystery, and vital role on Earth. Let's restore balance together.
Fisheries are crucial for food, employment, and economic well-being globally. As populations and hunger rise, fish has become essential for food security. However, it is estimated that 1 in every 5 fish caught comes from fishing, accounting for a loss of 11鈥26 million tonnes of fish annually. To help curb this trend, promotes sustainable practices through its voluntary and the binding . On the International Day for the Fight against Illegal Fishing, let鈥檚 remember that we all play a part in this effort.
Every year, and a million seabirds, but the is developing innovative, low-cost technologies to tackle plastic pollution at its source, aiming to prevent further environmental damage.
Research has found plastic waste makes up , and microplastics were found in every marine turtle, over half of all whales, and a third of seals.
with human activity starts by bringing together scientists, policymakers, and communities to sustainably share the sea.
with human activity starts by bringing together scientists, policymakers, and communities to sustainably share the sea.