Our projects and programmes
Since 2002, the World Ocean Network has been developing and promoting the concept of Ocean Citizenship. Being a Citizen of the Ocean means being aware of our relationship with the Ocean, of all that it brings us and our impact on its health. It also means adopting a proactive approach, adjusting one’s daily actions, celebrating the Ocean and setting up collective actions to preserve the Ocean.
The World Ocean Network has set up several programmes and work streams to enrich the meaning and substance of Ocean Citizenship.
The Citizen of the Ocean Passport
The passport contains practical tips to help citizens of the Ocean make a difference in their everyday lives.
World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day is held on 8 June every year. It has become a major date in the diaries of citizens and institutions interested in celebrating our Global Ocean. Mooted for the first time in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, then discussed in 1998 by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission, World Ocean Day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. Since 8 June 2002, and in collaboration with the Ocean Project, we have helped to coordinate and promote this event.
Every year, we continue to celebrate and promote this important day, notably through an annual photo competition organised by the United Nations. In our tools, you will also find ideas to create your own World Ocean Day event.
Mr.Goodfish
Mr.GoodFish is a European Programme whose aim is to raise awareness among the public and food industry professionals about opportunities for sustainable seafood consumption. Under the impulsion of the World Ocean Network, the programme was launched in 2010 in three European Aquaria: the Aquarium of Genoa, in Italy, the Finisterrae Aquarium in Spain, and Nausicaá in France.
Meetings and workshops
Joint efforts and dialogue between the different stakeholders in the marine world are fundamental to the dissemination and uptake of a positive and sustainable approach to the Ocean. This is why we have organised numerous opportunities for peers from the marine community to meet and participate in thematic workshops.
In 1999, 2002, 2006, and 2010 the first 4 major International Meetings were held at Nausicaá, with all the members and participants of the World Ocean Network. We have also organised more than fifteen regional workshops (in Europe, India, and in Latin America) and thematic workshops (on seafood consumption, marine plastic pollution, the High Seas, etc.).
More recently, we organised and participated in 2 international symposiums to advance the debate on the High Seas:
‘The 1st High Seas International Conference’ on the 27 and 28 June 2018, at Nausicaà
‘The 2nd High Seas International Conference’ on the 18 and 19 November 2019, at Nausicaà
