Ajay Sawant is an ocean-climate communicator and water activist with a resolute interest in the intersection of marine conservation and climate change. He is passionate about translating ocean science into solutions-driven models to make accurate information more accessible. He is the recipient of 2023 GEEP Youth Innovation Prize and founder of The Coral Initiative, a ocean literacy and conservation organisation and People of the Ocean, a storytelling initiative.

Ajay's dedication to this cause is exemplified through his work with organisations such as World Ocean Day, The Ocean Foundation, The Ocean Project, National Geographic Society, and The Nature Conservancy. Besides this, Ajay is also an awardee of the Make an Impact Fellowship. At the Ocean Foundation, he was one of the toolkit curriculum writers involved in creating the Youth Ocean Action Toolkit, a comprehensive guide about Marine Protected Areas across the world.

Ajay presently serves as the president at ThinkOcean Society, a global youth-led grassroots marine conservation and literacy organisation with presence in over 7 different countries where he leads the ‘Decade of Toolkits’ initiative along several other projects. He is also media manager at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs.

In Addition to his work in ocean conservation, Ajay also works in WASH and has been a delegate at the 10th World Water Forum and several other events.

Campaign Impact

The High Seas Treaty Ratification and Awareness Campaign, led by Ajay Sawant, President of ThinkOcean Society and High Seas Youth Ambassador for Asia, was launched at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) India 2024 in Mysuru. The campaign aims to accelerate India’s ratification of the High Seas Treaty by raising awareness and fostering dialogue among diplomats, policymakers, and young leaders. With a focus on education and advocacy, the initiative seeks to highlight the ecological and climate significance of protecting the high seas.

The campaign officially began with a 1.5-hour session at LCOY India 2024, attended by 70 young environmental leaders out of 250 conference participants. This interactive session, led by Ajay Sawant in partnership with Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) India, included icebreaker activities and an engaging explainer on the role of the high seas in maintaining global biodiversity and regulating climate systems. Participants were introduced to the High Seas Treaty and encouraged to consider its broader implications for conservation and governance.

Following the session, the campaign launched a physical and digital petition alongside a pledge board that invited attendees to share their aspirations for the ocean. The petition and pledge board received 257 signatures, reflecting the strong interest and commitment of youth to advocate for ocean conservation. These pledges symbolized the collective voice of young people in pushing for India’s ratification of the treaty and underscored the importance of youth involvement in global ocean governance.

Beyond the conference, the campaign expanded its outreach through explainer programs conducted in two schools and three colleges, engaging approximately 1,200 young people. These sessions aimed to build foundational knowledge about the High Seas Treaty, encouraging students to reflect on their role as stewards of the ocean. By integrating education with advocacy, the campaign emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to raise awareness and drive action.

To amplify its message, the campaign partnered with leading media outlets such as Times of India, Global Indian Network, Global Indian, and Sustainability Next Magazine. These collaborations helped spread information about the High Seas Treaty to a wider audience, sparking conversations about ocean protection and sustainable policies. Media features provided a platform to share key messages, inspire civic engagement, and highlight the campaign’s impact.

“Becoming a High Seas Youth Ambassador has been one of the most transformative experiences of my journey in ocean conservation. It connected me to a global community of like-minded changemakers while deepening my understanding of the vast, unregulated high seas, a place so mysterious yet so vital to our planet. This program introduced me to incredible people in policy work and conservation, including inspiring figures like Asha de Vos, who have shaped the way I approach ocean advocacy. It empowered me to translate the complex science of the high seas into stories and actions that resonate with young people and policymakers across Asia. Through this role, I’ve realized the incredible potential of youth voices in shaping the future of our ocean.”