The ocean is the greatest natural wonder our planet holds. It is more than just a body of water; it is the planet’s lifeline, a source of food, oxygen, climate regulation, culture, and economic prosperity. The 2025 theme for World Oceans Day, “WONDER: SUSTAINING WHAT SUSTAINS US,” invites us not only to celebrate the ocean’s majesty but to reflect deeply on the responsibility that comes with benefiting from its immense bounty.

Oceans are among the most important natural resources known to humankind. They support countless life forms and provide invaluable ecosystems that are essential for human survival. Covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, oceans produce over half the world’s oxygen and absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities. They regulate global temperatures and weather patterns, serving as the planet’s climate engine.

Economically, the oceans represent a staggering wealth. According to estimates, their total worth is around $24 trillion. Coastal and marine environments alone contribute approximately $2.5 trillion annually to the global economy in the form of the Gross Marine Product. Marine fisheries add over $270 billion annually to the global GDP. Moreover, over 80% of globally traded goods are transported by sea, and the scale of this seaborne trade is expected to double by 2030 and quadruple by 2050. In economic terms, the ocean, if treated as a standalone entity, would rank as the seventh-largest economy in the world.

Covering more than 70% of........

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