Photo : Collected

DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) – The World Oceans Day is being observed today in Bangladesh and across the globe with a call to strengthen efforts for the protection, restoration and sustainable use of the world's oceans.

The theme of this year's observance is “REIMAGINE: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean,” underscoring the call for renewed global commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. 

The United Nations designated June 8 as World Oceans Day in 2008, with annual observance beginning in 2009, to raise awareness of the essential role of oceans in sustaining life on Earth and the challenges they face. 

According to the United Nations, oceans regulate the global climate, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, support biodiversity, and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people worldwide. 

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that a significant share of global fish stocks are overexploited or depleted due to unsustainable fishing practices. 
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also warned that coral reef ecosystems are under severe threat from climate change, pollution, and ocean warming, with large portions already degraded or lost. 

On the occasion, the UN Secretary-General has urged stronger global cooperation, emphasizing the need for science-based action, international cooperation and sustainable management to restore ocean health and secure a livable future for coming generations. 

The theme ‘Reimagine’ encourages people, governments and institutions to rethink their relationship with the ocean and move from being passive beneficiaries of marine resources to active guardians of ocean health. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of ocean resources. 

Various government agencies, environmental organisations and educational institutions are expected to mark the day through awareness programmes, discussions and campaigns focusing on ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.