The United Nations (UN) challenged Sunday countries all over the world to step up efforts in implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and uphold the rule of law on the seas and oceans in celebration of the first World Oceans’ Day (WOD) Monday.

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and is the basis for international cooperation on all levels,” UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement.

Also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea Treaty, the UNCLOS defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.

“The world must do more to implement this Convention and uphold the rule of law on the seas and oceans,” he stressed.

The world’s oceans include the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern (formerly called Antarctica).

The UN secretary-general cited the role of the oceans and seas in regulating global climate, supplying essential ecosystem services, and providing sustainable livelihood and recreation.

“The first observance of World Oceans’ Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society,” Ban said.

Themed, "Our Oceans, Our Responsibility", the secretary-general said this year’s celebration emphasizes every individual’s duty to protect the marine environment and manage its resources, emphasizing that “safe, healthy, and productive seas and oceans are integral to human well-being, economic security, and sustainable development.”

The UN chief lamented on human activities’ adverse effects on oceans and seas, particularly over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species, and marine pollution.

“Increased sea temperatures, sea-level rise, and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose a further threat to marine life, coastal, and island communities and national economies,” he added.

The Philippines, for one, is considered a “climate hotspot” because of its high susceptibility to the negative effects of climate change.

It is one of the most vulnerable regions in Southeast Asia as shown by the frequency of typhoons every year, increase in temperature, sea level rise, and coral bleaching that has been affecting the country’s marine resources.

Ban also stressed the need to be more vigilant against criminal activities that threaten seafarers and international shipping, particularly piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and smuggling activities.

About 90 percent of the world’s goods are transported by sea, Ban said.

It will be recalled that Filipino seafarers have also been victims of piracy, particularly in Somalia and Nigeria. Most of them had already been repatriated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).