Late last night, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates meeting at the United Nations finally agreed to language for a High Seas Treaty. This is a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to secure a treaty to govern and protect the High Seas, which make up 70% of the ocean and cover nearly half the planet. More than 160,000 supporters spoke up and urged leaders to act. This public support, along with the great work of partners like RISE UP, the High Seas Alliance, Greenpeace, and more, helped show decision-makers that people all over the world were watching and wanted action — and they delivered. There is still more work to do, as nations will now need to formally adopt the language and ratify the treaty at the country level. We will continue to keep you updated on campaign developments and the critical moments where we need your support.
Campaign Update: In July 2021, the licenses issued to the company for oil exploration expired, effectively halting the project for now. The Bahamian Minister of the Environment publicly declared that the government would not consider a renewal application from the oil company, noting that it still owed millions in outstanding fees to the government. Thank you to the more than 15,000 supporters who joined Bahamian activists and organizations in this fight and helped make this moment possible.
The Bahamas is an ocean nation, with remarkable marine resources and wildlife that have supported local industry and brought visitors from around the world.
But a new oil drilling project could change that. And it’s starting in a matter of months. Just one accident, one spill, can devastate marine systems in the region and the foundation of the economy, employment, food sources, recreation, culture, and the Bahamian way of life.
