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.
Media Toolkit
Protect the High Seas
After nearly 20 years of negotiations, governments are close to finalizing a historic High Seas Treaty that would help protect nearly two-thirds of the ocean. Help build momentum for a High Seas Treaty by sharing these assets and captions below on social media.
Caption
The High Seas, an ocean area located outside of any country’s jurisdiction, represent more than 50% of the planet, but only 1.2% is protected. Everything else is vulnerable to exploitation due to a lack of clear rules. There is no healthy ocean without a healthy High Seas. Join more than one-hundred and call on leaders to protect the future of the High Seas at only.one/high-seas
Caption
As things stand, a mere one percent of the High Seas is fully or highly protected, but in a matter of days that could all change.
After nearly 20 years of negotiations, world leaders are close to finishing a historic High Seas Treaty, and they need public support to make it happen. This is our chance to help save marine biodiversity in the High Seas and halt the collapse of the entire ocean.
Visit only.one/high-seas, and sign the petition calling on world leaders to create a strong High Seas Treaty.
Caption
Plundered by wealthy nations and modern-day pirates, the High Seas are unprotected and support a massive array of marine creatures that are critical to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. In order to protect this area of ocean, we’re demanding a strong and global High Seas Treaty. Sign the petition today at only.one/high-seas
Tweet
The High Seas make up 50% of the world, but only 1.2% are protected. This month, leaders will negotiate a treaty that could change everything—@AntonioGuterres, @HerveBerville, @MonicaMedinaDC, help finish the High Seas Treaty to protect the ocean. @onlyone only.one/high-seas
Tweet
Billions of people – especially the world’s poorest – rely on a healthy ocean for their food and livelihood. We must finalize the High Seas Treaty to protect coastal populations and global food security. @AntonioGuterres, @HerveBerville, @MonicaMedinaDC only.one/high-seas
Create your own
Are you looking to create your own social posts? Find our compelling imagery and video assets here.
Once you create your post, make sure to attach the link to the global High Seas petition, available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English.