WATER & Oceans

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Campaign poster for World Oceans Day – An image of the Earth is surrounded by the blue ocean, vegetation and coral is shown in the background

High Seas Treaty 2023 - January 17 in effect

The 2023 High Seas Treaty is a milestone in global environmental policy, designed to protect oceans covering over 70% of Earth. By creating marine protected areas, it aims to curb overfishing, reduce pollution, and safeguard biodiversity. - The treaty commits to sustainable marine resource management, ensuring healthy oceans for future generations. It stresses international cooperation, acknowledging that ocean challenges go beyond borders. Including provisions for scientific research, it enhances understanding of marine ecosystems and their climate role. This treaty showcases diplomacy's power and nations' shared responsibility to preserve nature. As it takes effect, it symbolizes hope for a sustainable future. - Ratified by 60 states, including China, and signed by the USA, the treaty takes effect on 17 January, 2026. Russia did not sign.

High Seas Treaty 2023 - January 17 in effect

Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS)

The international MAPS treaty, endorsed by the UN, declares the whole area north of the Arctic Ocean an international peace park. Organised by the non-profit Parvati foundation, it aims to keep the area free from exploitation, and all other harmful activities in this vulnerable ecosystem. The idea is to keep our oceans healthy, prevent further species loss, and help keep the balance of our planets weather.

Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS)

Our plastic oceans - the ever growing problem

It is estimated that around 8 million metric tonnes of plastic finds its way into our oceans each year. It causes problems in the open water, and on our shores. Nearly 700 species are directly impacted by this man-made time bomb. It is notoriously difficult to breakdown, and once it does, microplastics wreak havok with marine ecosystems, and eventually the foodchain. Find organisations and initiatives to help here, as well as recommended books, reports and studies on the subject.

Our plastic oceans - the ever growing problem

Coral bleaching

The main cause of coral bleaching is rising ocean temperatures - even a 1°C rise can begin the coral starving process. In 2016, we saw the largest ever recorded coral bleaching event - between 29 and 50 percent of Australia's Great Barrier Reef was lost. Learn more about the importance of reefs for marine life, and the potential solutions here.

Coral bleaching

World Oceans Day - June 8 2024

This year World Oceans Day focuses on the threat of climate change to our blue planet with the theme - Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. A healthy ocean and a healthy planet cannot exist without the other, we need significantly stronger international policies and action at all levels. With 90% of fish stocks now depleted globally, and 50% of the world's coral reefs destroyed, there has never been a more pressing time to protect our oceans. the balance between depletion and restoration is dangerously close to tipping irreversibly in the wrong direction.

World Oceans Day - June 8 2024

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - Marine Wildlife Protection

Committed to defending ocean wildlife from poaching, unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and captivity, Sea Shepard use direct-action to end illegal activities in our oceans and seas. This educational, advocacy, and awareness group have shutdown illegal whaling operations in the Southern Ocean, combated illegal fishing in the Galapagos, and helped protect the endangered vaquita porpoise.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - Marine Wildlife Protection

The basic human right to water

Access to water that is safe for human consumption maybe something people take for granted. Billions of people around the world lack access to it, and is responsible for thousands of deaths every week. Problems are worsened by pollution, desertification, and lack of infrastructure. We cover the issues and the solutions here.

The basic human right to water

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