High Seas Youth Ambassadors

The future sustainability of life on earth and the health of our planet is inextricably linked to the health of our ocean. Global concern regarding environmental degradation and anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems has led to urgent calls for countries to meaningfully protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30) to preserve what remains of ocean biodiversity and restore the ocean to abundance. Increasing ocean protections in areas outside of national boundaries, commonly known as the High Seas, is critical to the success of these efforts. The High Seas cover 64% of the global ocean, including some of the most ecologically vital, yet critically threatened and least protected areas on Earth. After two decades of discussion, the new agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) – known as the High Seas Treaty, sets the stage for the world’s first cohesive, international and legally binding framework to specifically protect high seas biodiversity.

As of September 2025, over sixty countries have ratified the High Seas Treaty, ensuring it enters into force and becomes international law. With this key milestone met, it is critical to ensure additional countries ratify the Treaty to drive fair, effective, and inclusive ocean governance as the Treaty is implemented.  Activating and engaging youth on a global scale is key to building the momentum needed to advance these ratifications and build widespread support for the Treaty’s implementation.

Through the High Seas Youth Ambassador program, EarthEcho International and the High Seas Alliance are collaborating to mobilize six youth Ambassadors (ages 17-22) in strategic locations around the world to plan and execute innovative campaigns to build the public and political momentum needed to advance additional Treaty ratifications and support the Treaty’s implementation.

Applications for the 2026 High Seas Youth Ambassador program are open through January 9, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. 

2026 High Seas Youth Ambassador applications are open to youth ages 17-22 based in the following regions:

  • Africa: Senegal or Uganda
  • Asia: Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, or Uzbekistan
  • Australia
  • Latin America: Colombia or Peru

To apply, review the full High Seas Youth Ambassador role description and complete your application using the options below.

Questions regarding the High Seas Youth Ambassador program? Contact Sean Russell at srussell@earthecho.org.

Meet our 2025 High Seas Youth Ambassadors below!