On this World Oceans Day, the National Geographic Society is thrilled to announce the 2021 ArcGIS StoryMaps Ocean Challenge, an opportunity for youth co-hosted in partnership with Esri. Creating a StoryMap can empower young people to learn about the ocean, build their storytelling skills, and help protect our “beautiful big blue,” as National Geographic Young Explorer Gabby Tan calls it. Read on for a conversation about the ocean with Gabby, who is from Malaysia, and fellow Young Explorer Ben Somerville, who has lived his whole life by the ocean in the Cayman Islands. Continue reading What Does the Ocean Mean to You? To Two Young Explorers, It Means the World
Do you purchase products from overseas, eat seafood, or enjoy a day at the beach? If so, you are benefiting from the vast oceans that make up over 70% of our planet. The ocean is more than a source of food or entertainment. The oceans serve to connect countries throughout the world to one another, allowing us to exchange goods, customs, and traditions far beyond our borders.
The oceans, however, are in critical danger. Over-fishing, as well as
global pollution, have put marine species at risk worldwide. In order
to raise global awareness of the issue, Canada proposed to recognize a
World Oceans Day in 1992, at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. Since
that day, the event has been held yearly throughout the world, gaining
official UN recognition in 2008.
Video courtesy of The Ocean Project
To commemorate World Oceans Day, National Geographic Education offers five ways for you to make a positive difference in our oceans’ future in our weekly “Five for Friday” series.
1. Participate in a World Oceans Day event Over 70 countries will be hosting events today to celebrate the ocean and recognize its importance. Visit the Events page to sign up and participate. From beach cleanups, to commemorations, to surveys, this site has it all!
