MISSION & ETHICS
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Motivating the widest possible audience on a worldwide scale to inspire new behaviour that
respects the environment and thus promotes an intelligent and sustainable use of the ocean
is the main objective of the World Ocean Network. Established in November 2002, the
network comprises organizations focusing on the general public and caring for the future
of the Blue Planet.
It is necessary to use marine resources in a sustainable and intelligent way.
The World Ocean is in an alarming condition: it has never deteriorated so much in five years.
Fish populations are falling sharply; coral reefs are dying and pollution continues to threaten marine life.
The planetary environment is affected, so is our day to day environment.
It is no longer acceptable to allow human activity to damage the ocean; urgent action is required
for the Planet, for the Ocean and… for us!
In light of this situation, the World Ocean Network includes organizations focusing on the general public
and committed to concrete action, including aquariums, science centres, museums, charities and NGOs
and educational and environmental organizations all over the world.
Each organization acts locally; working in tandem brings about worldwide effects.
Nearly 200 million people are informed each year. In a few years, one billion people, i.e., one-sixth of the
world’s human population, will be affected.
Several concrete actions have been achieved:
■ CREATION of an alert and information module displayed in public areas: across its sides the lighthouse-shaped module provides local and worldwide information about the condition of the ocean.
■ CREATION of the Passport of Citizen of the Ocean: every inhabitant on the planet can become a
Citizen of the Ocean, thereby committing to respecting the environment in simple deeds and actions
and contributing to a sustainable future for the ocean and the planet.
■ PUBLIC awareness of concrete conservation actions, for example, intelligent consumption of fish:
to carry on being able to eat fish in the future, choosing the right size or species is vital.
■ CELEBRATION of the World Ocean Day on 8 June each year: this day is held in a festive spirit at
local and worldwide level with scientific and artistic workshops, rambles, beach cleaning, all
activities which inform the general public about the condition of the ocean. This day is also an
opportunity to launch the year theme in terms of Network actions.
The World Ocean Network enjoys the support of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission and the UN Environment Programme as part of the Global Programme of Action for the
Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. The World Ocean Network is part
of the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands established at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg in 2002 to promote good international governance of the ocean. It is
in charge of awareness raising actions aimed at the general public.
We have ten years, if we act together, to change our behaviour significantly so that our children
may still enjoy the benefits of the Ocean. It is our responsibility today to act determinedly to
inspire a change in planetary behaviour.
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