We are so excited to tell you about a major victory that our supporters helped achieve. Yesterday at the UN Ocean Conference, the Colombian government announced it will create four new official marine reserves, including one expanding the fully protected Malpelo Sanctuary of Fauna and Flora. Colombia will now surpass the goal of protecting 30% of its waters eight years before the 2030 deadline! The initiative to protect 30% of the global ocean by the year 2030, referred to as 30x30, is a target that scientists have indicated is necessary in order to prevent irreversible loss of marine life. A huge thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the petition to protect the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor. And, of course, this win would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Colombia’s environmental, fishing, and maritime authorities, along with scientists, the private fishing sector, nonprofits, and the people of Colombia. With this remarkable action, Colombia will strengthen local fisheries, sustainable livelihoods, and the protection of marine biodiversity in its native waters and throughout the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor. If you’d like to move another campaign to create sanctuaries close to victory, consider adding your name to the brand-new petition to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument 🌎 ⛵️
This special conversation in honor of Earth Day covered topics including climate-related threats to the ocean, the impact of climate change on small islands and low-lying coastal nations, and the power of the ocean to help heal the planet.
The Impact of Climate Change on Small Islands with Angelique Pouponneau, Senior Advisor to the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States
The Global Campaign to Stop Deep-Sea Mining with Sian Owen, Director at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC)
The Power and Potential of Blue Carbon with Jennifer Howard, Vice President of the Blue Carbon Program at Conservation International; Board Member of Only One
Take action
Sign the petition to stop deep-sea mining
Plant trees in the Million Mangrove Challenge
Join The Splash, a community of digital activists
Additional resources
Helpful fact sheets from the DSCC on deep-sea mining
“Is the International Seabed Authority fit for purpose?” fact sheet
Fact sheets that can be used to inform governments and other target audiences on deep-sea mining (in English, French, and Spanish)
Report showing why minerals from the deep sea are not needed for a just, green transition
