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 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) – or High Seas Treaty, sets the stage for is the world’s first cohesive, international and legally binding framework to specifically protect high seas biodiversity. To ensure the Treaty becomes international law, and enters into force, sixty countries must now ratify the Treaty. Activating and engaging youth on a global scale is key to building the momentum needed to achieve this target and secure treaty ratification.
Through the High Seas Youth Ambassador program, EarthEcho International and the High Seas Alliance are collaborating to provide a paid Ambassador experience to seven youth ocean advocates (ages 17-22) in strategic locations around the world. Ambassadors will plan and execute innovative campaigns to build the public and political momentum needed to advance Treaty ratification.
In 2025, High Seas Youth Ambassador applications will be accepted from applicants ages 17-22 based in the following countries:
- Africa: Tanzania or Zambia
- Asia: Maldives, Philippines, Vietnam, or Thailand
- Caribbean: Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago
- Canada: Open to Indigenous youth residing in Canada
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