EarthEcho International and our global community of young ocean advocates celebrate the historic ratification of the High Seas Treaty, marking a milestone in global ocean protection efforts. After two decades of advocacy and negotiations, the High Seas Treaty ratification provides a legal framework to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction – what’s known as the High Seas – covering nearly half the planet.

Young ocean advocates from EarthEcho’s programs, including our High Seas Youth Ambassadors and EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council, have played a key role, collaborating with the High Seas Alliance and a global network of partners to build the public support to achieve the political momentum needed for ratification. Together with the global ocean conservation community we celebrate this moment. It affirms the power of youth leadership and intergenerational collaboration in international negotiations while energizing our community of youth to continue to advocate for Treaty ratification by additional United Nations member states and the establishment of the first High Seas marine protected areas.  

‍Voices from EarthEcho International reflect on the High Seas Treaty Ratification:

"The ratification of the United Nations High Seas Treaty marks a historic victory for our ocean and our shared future. This achievement is the result of decades of tireless work by the ocean conservation community, government champions, and young leaders who demanded action. At EarthEcho, we celebrate this moment as proof of what is possible when generations come together to protect our ocean planet, while recognizing the important work ahead to achieve universal ratification and the creation of the first high seas marine protected areas." - Philippe Cousteau, Founder, EarthEcho International 

“As a Caribbean youth and Trinidad and Tobago’s High Seas Youth Ambassador, the ratification of the High Seas Treaty is more than a diplomatic milestone, it is a promise that small island states like mine will not stand alone in safeguarding our shared ocean. This historic step affirms that the ocean is our greatest inheritance, and protecting it is our greatest responsibility. We celebrate not just a treaty, but a generational victory for equity, climate resilience, and the future of our blue planet.” - Arianna Beeray, High Seas Youth Ambassador, Trinidad and Tobago

‘‘We often think the ocean divides us all, but I strongly believe it is the single greatest connector we could ever have. From joining trade and diverse cultures to bridging gaps in technology and food systems. As a Zambian youth who has not seen or touched the ocean, but has felt the brunt of climate change and understands the role the ocean plays in addressing the triple planetary crisis, living to see this long awaited global agreement ratified brings a fresh perspective to collective global efforts to protect our ocean, giving life a second chance, both on land and at sea.’’ - Autone Mululuma, High Seas Youth Ambassador, Zambia 

"Stretching far beyond national boundaries, the High Seas hold promise and responsibility for coastal nations like Tanzania. With the High Seas Treaty ratified, we have new hope that young people like me will see a healthier ocean and a sustainable blue world. Ratification is not the end but the beginning, now we must turn words into action to protect our ocean and ensure communities truly benefit.” - Divan Nyangi Joseph, High Seas Youth Ambassador, Tanzania 

“As a Filipino youth from an archipelagic nation surrounded by vast ocean waters, the ratification of the High Seas Treaty represents hope for climate justice, and recognition that our ocean connects us all as one shared global community. This historic moment ensures that future generations of this blue planet, especially the island communities like ours in the Philippines, will inherit protected marine sanctuaries beyond national borders, safeguarding the biodiversity that sustains both our livelihoods and our planet's climate stability. The high seas belong to all of humanity, and today we've taken a crucial step toward ensuring they are protected for all of humanity." - Parker Shane Manalaysay, High Seas Youth Ambassador, The Philippines

“As a Jamaican whose footprints always touch the sea, This milestone represents the collective voice of our generation demanding bold action to protect the ocean that connects us all. Today, we turn the tide toward a future where a percentage of our blue planet is safeguarded for generations to come.” - Rhysha Brown, High Seas Youth Ambassador, Jamaica