The voices of young ocean advocates are critical to building support for ambitious action to advance marine biodiversity protection. Building on the work of our global community of young ocean advocates, EarthEcho International looks forward to participating in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity meeting in Cali, Colombia from October 25 to October 31 with a focus on elevating youth leadership in efforts to implement the global global of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, as committed to in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. To achieve this target, we also recognize COP16 provides a unique opportunity to increase momentum for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, which is central to efforts to expand global ocean protection. 

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EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council member, Emma Chu, and High Seas Youth Ambassador, Sonia Violante Ptasznik, as well as EarthEcho’s Director of Youth Engagement Sean Russell, will represent our team at the Conference.

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Throughout the week, we are honored to join partners to participate in and host a variety of events focused on advancing the 30x30 ocean goal, ratification of the High Seas Treaty, and the role of intergenerational collaboration in building momentum for ambitious ocean action. Please consider joining us at the following sessions (all times in EEST):

>>> October 27 from 9:00am-6:30pm - Ocean Day at COP16 at the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Pavilion 

>>> October 29 from 8:00am-5:30pm - COP16 30x30 Action Day at the GBF Pavilion  

>>> October 31 from 2:00pm-3:00pm - Building momentum for youth priorities toward 30×30 and BBNJ implementation, a nature positive path to UNOC3 in the Nature Positive Pavilion Small Room. Session co-hosted by EarthEcho International, the High Seas Alliance, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and WILDCOAST 

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Interested in connecting with our team on the ground in Cali to learn more about our work and explore collaboration opportunities? Contact Sean Russell at srussell@earthecho.org or follow along on social media @EarthEcho for live updates throughout the week.

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