Oceans are an essential component of the Earth's ecosystem -- a source of biodiversity, food, and life.

On 8 June, World Oceans Day will be celebrated worldwide to emphasize their importance in our daily lives. FAO in North Africa and Near-East will join the global celebration by proposing a specific event on the necessary Blue Transformation of aquatic food systems.

First proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Oceans Day was officially introduced in 2008 with the UNGA resolution 63/111. The reasoning is to remind everyone about the relevance of oceans, inform the public of the impact of human actions, develop a worldwide movement, mobilize and unite the world’s population to achieve the sustainable management of the ocean, while celebrating its beauty, wealth and promise.