The United Nations World Oceans Day, on 8 June 2021, highlights the theme of The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.

The theme for World Oceans Day in 2021 is 'The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods'. The aim of this year's campaign is to "shed light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our lifesource, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth". As well as a declaration of intentions that launches a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”, by 2030.

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean we must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past.

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.

This year's theme is especially relevant in the lead-up to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which will run from 2021 to 2030. The Decade will strengthen international cooperation to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society.

The UN Capital Development Fund is a specialized UN entity that makes public and private finance work for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels We are the only UN entity mandated to focus primarily on the Least Developed Countries and we also have a unique capital mandate, which allows us to use financial instruments such as loans and guarantees for small enterprises and small investment projects. This is the focus and expertise UNCDF brings to our engagement with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs is the first UN impact Fund dedicated to SDG 14. The GFCR is creating a new paradigm for protection of an ecosystem on the brink of extinction with a myriad of implications. Through blended finance and innovative public-private partnerships, the GFCR is catalysing a sustainable financial ecosystem for conservation of coral reef ecosystems and development of the communities that depend on them. To learn more, please visit: www.globalfundcoralreefs.org

Read more on UNCDF and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs HERE.